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The Mind Behind the Boots: Joe Gomez’s Journey Through Injury

Football is more than just a game of skills, tactics, and goals. For players like Joe Gomez, it’s a lifetime commitment, an endless passion. Yet, with every slide, tackle and aerial duel comes the risk of injury, which can be not only physically draining but mentally too.

A Promising Start: From 2015 Onwards

Joining the ranks of Liverpool in 2015, Gomez’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Over 150 appearances in the iconic red shirt testify to his tenacity and skill. Yet, the same journey has been marred by an unfortunate series of injuries that saw the young talent miss out on over 200 games, casting him, more often than not, to the edges of the action.

The Silent Battle: Mental Struggles Amid Physical Pain

In the midst of physical healing, another battle was taking place: one that wasn’t as evident to the spectator’s eye. “Once I got injured, I had a lot of spare time. That’s the biggest thing you notice as a player,” Gomez reflected during his conversation with Jacamo and CALM, highlighting the association with the Campaign Against Living Miserably.

In the rigorous routine of training sessions, games, and constant action, there’s hardly any room for overthinking. “When you’re on the pitch training, you don’t have time to be thinking. You’re just enjoying the game in your subconscious,” Gomez mused.

However, injuries bring along a stillness. A time to think, reflect, and sometimes, overthink. A niggling hamstring issue wasn’t just a physical strain for Gomez; it threatened his mental peace. “It did rock my world,” he admitted candidly.

Yet, it was also a lesson in gratitude. Returning to the field post-injury comes with its share of internal battles. Worries over one’s body, concerns about what’s uncontrollable, all while balancing the requisite recovery work. “It’s just appreciation and being thankful that I can do what I still do. Drawing on that to keep me motivated to still do my gym sessions,” Gomez shared his silver lining.

Back in Action: The Road Ahead

Presently, the clouds seem to be parting for Gomez. Fully fit, and back to being an instrumental part of Jurgen Klopp’s strategy, he was seen in action during the Reds’ recent 3-1 triumph over Bournemouth at Anfield.

Injuries might have robbed him of game time, but they’ve inadvertently added layers to Gomez’s persona, teaching him resilience, gratitude, and the undying spirit of enjoying the beautiful game.

His story is not just about football; it’s about life, challenges, and emerging stronger, both on and off the pitch.

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