Arne Slot at Liverpool might be “saved” by the player who exposed Jurgen Klopp.

Not even gone Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, had anticipated that Joe Gomez would have such a versatile impact on the Reds this year.

He struggled to establish a regular position, didn’t play the most games, concluded the season mostly as a substitute, and didn’t even get off the bench for Jurgen Klopp’s sad farewell to Liverpool.

But all one has to do to understand how crucial Joe Gomez was to the Reds this season is look at these remarks made by the late Anfield manager.

“He has already saved our rear end fifteen or twenty times this year by playing left-back; I didn’t see many players playing right-back in a particular way and now playing six,” Klopp remarked. “It’s truly exceptional.”

Gomez made those remarks following his appearance in the 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round victory against Southampton as a makeshift defensive midfielder. A few days later, he would play a similar role in the Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest. Less than 30 minutes into the League Cup final victory over Chelsea, Gomez had came off the bench to play right-back at the beginning of the week.

This has been the player’s season; he turned 27 this past week. Gomez made 51 appearances in his sole season with the Reds, and he only started more games in 2019–20. He has never been asked to play so many different roles, though, which has made him the most adaptable player in the team and possibly even better than Kostas Tsimikas in Andy Robertson’s left-back replacement role.

Surprisingly, he only started two games at centre back, which has always been his favourite position. But for the footballer, the past 12 months have been a kind of revelation.

Gomez told The Anfield Wrap earlier this month, “I’ve obviously said before I’m a center-half, but I think this season has taught me I just want to enjoy playing football, I don’t necessarily need to box myself in.” One major item on my agenda was to just be available and make sure I could contribute if called upon. As players, all we want to do is make up for not being a part of things in the past because it hurts. Nobody desires to be hurt or to fail to fulfil their responsibilities.”

Klopp concurs. Before stepping down as manager of Liverpool, he remarked, “He had some injuries, stuff happened, and he was in and out of the team, always important to us, but I think this season is the most consistent he played, especially because of the different positions.”

“I believe that he played the fewest center-half games (per season) since we were constantly in need of him elsewhere, and he performed admirably there. It really improved his game, in my opinion.

Before the season, if you had asked me about inverted right or left back and my thoughts on the number six in general, I’m not sure whether I would have responded, “Yes, of course, Joey can do that.”

Gomez was almost four years away from England before he was called up again in March due to his form. He was included in the 33-man provisional squad for the European Championships next month, so it would be shocking if he didn’t make the final 26-person team.

The defender, who was acquired by Brendan Rodgers a few months before to the German’s arrival, is, of course, the only member of the first team to have played for the squad throughout the Klopp period.

Liverpool is expected to sign a new center-back this season, even if Jarell Quansah, an Academy graduate, emerges. Joel Matip left on a free transfer and, if rumours are to be believed, is keen to stay in the Premier League, with Bournemouth expressing interest.

But Arne Slot, the new head coach, will understand that he is inheriting not just a guy for most positions and all seasons, but also a player who is at the peak of his abilities. Furthermore, Gomez may be the player who keeps the Liverpool team’s backsides protected going forward.