Scout Report: Joe Gomez
Two of England’s biggest clubs seem set to fight it out for the signature of a highly rated young centre-back. Joe Gomez of Charlton Athletic has slowly and steadily risen up the ranks and has often been scouted by the top clubs in the country and is being linked with a big-money move away from the club where he has spent most of his career.
The 18-year-old has been a Charlton player through and through, after graduating through the academy he made his debut for the U18’s at the age of just 13. His fist senior appearance for the club came in August 2014 and he has not looked back since then. He played a total of 24 goals last season but what makes him such an exciting prospect for so many teams?
Joe Gomez, lighting it up at the back
Liverpool have had a ton of defensive issues over the years and Joe Gomez could well be the answer to their problems. Liverpool are known to sign young players and it doesn’t get any younger than this, Joe is a bright prospect for England and him moving to a club which helps in the development of young players could just be the key for both club and country.
The defender is known to play as a centre-back mostly. but he is comfortable playing as a right-back as well. He is a tough tackler, which is a need in this Premier League era and is over 6 feet tall which obviously helps him being good in the air. The 18-year-old who has represented the England U19’s seems a sure shot to leave Charlton as his contract ends in 2017 and the club would be wanting to cash in on him before he moves as a free agent.
In all probability, the youngster could join either Liverpool or Arsenal but he wouldn’t break into the first team just as yet. He could be loaned straight back to Charlton as the norm is for young players, this would help him develop a lot faster since he would be in a known environment and not have to move to another club’s facility. Joe is surely someone to keep a tab on this transfer window, the defender might not be the costliest player to be talked about, but one thing is a certainty, he will be someone to watch over the next season or two as he tries to establish himself as a Premier League player.