Arne Slot surprise hype for Liverpool star points to a run in the team

Arne Slot has hyped up a Liverpool star. Surely it points to a long run in the team?

Arne Slot was asked in his press conference on Monday about the current style and systems of Premier League sides. He made it fairly clear that he’s not a fan, admittedly.

And with teams so focused on out-muscling opponents in the middle, the wide areas are of particular importance. One question asked about the importance of Jeremie Frimpong - a lightning quick full-back who can win one-on-ones and break defences down.

Slot’s answer was somewhat surprising. He said that’s absolutely something he thinks about but also hyped up Joe Gomez’s ability to do just that.

Few will have thought of Gomez as a one-v-one attacker but Slot appears to. And it may point to an extended run in the team.

Joe Gomez: Situation Summary

Current Status and Role

As of March 2, 2026, Joe Gomez remains a vital utility player for Liverpool, though his long-term future is increasingly uncertain. He is currently under contract until June 30, 2027, following a five-year extension signed in 2022. Because he will enter the final 12 months of that deal this summer, the club faces a decision on whether to offer a new extension or sell him to recoup a transfer fee. He has been a frequent starter recently, appearing in the 5-2 win over West Ham on February 28, 2026, and primarily covering at right-back due to the ongoing absence of Conor Bradley.

Injury and Fitness Concerns

Gomez has navigated several fitness hurdles during the 2025/26 campaign. He suffered an Achilles issue in the summer of 2025 and a hamstring strain in December. More recently, he was sidelined in January after a collision with Alisson Becker during a match against Bournemouth resulted in a knee knock. While he has since returned to full training and match action, his injury history remains a factor in how the club manages his minutes and evaluates his market value.

Transfer Outlook

The summer transfer window is expected to be a crossroads for Gomez. With the confirmed £60 million signing of Jérémy Jacquet and the arrival of Giovanni Leoni, Liverpool has already begun a defensive refresh that could limit Gomez's future game time. Reports from outlets like Anfield Watch and CaughtOffside suggest that AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and several Premier League teams are monitoring his situation. While Liverpool rejected winter approaches to maintain squad depth, they are widely expected to listen to offers this summer if their valuation is met.

Analysis

Of course, Gomez needs to remain fit to get an extended run in the team and that’s been by far his biggest hurdle as a Liverpool player. Recent showings have been good, though.

And Gomez does offer athleticism, strength and defensive prowess on that flank. Having him there certainly makes Liverpool more secure - no question there.

But does it make them better? We’re not so sure. Frimpong immediately forced an open-play goal against West Ham when getting on and his pace blends so nicely with his agility as a threat for Liverpool.

No one else in the squad really offers that same level of burst in and around the box. Only really Rio Ngumoha, in truth.

So while Gomez does deserve games, we’d still love to see more of Frimpong out there. Especially with Conor Bradley missing.

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool get GREEN light to sign Nico Schlotterbeck

👉🏻 Centre-back confirms he's ready to join Liverpool

👉🏻 Fabrizio Romano CONFIRMS belief £52m Liverpool target will agree move