Joe Gomez to Aston Villa: Strategic Move for Both Parties

Villa’s Potential Target: Joe Gomez

Aston Villa’s interest in Liverpool’s Joe Gomez comes at a crucial time, especially as Fulham steps up their pursuit of Villa’s current defender, Diego Carlos. According to Matt Law from The Telegraph, should Carlos depart, Villa have earmarked Gomez as a potential replacement. Law specifically mentions, “Both Geertruida and Gomez can play in the centre of defence and at full-back, which would give Villa head coach Unai Emery valuable options at the back.” This move could prove to be ideal for both the player and Aston Villa, although Liverpool’s fans may not see it that way.

Versatility and Comfort on the Ball

Joe Gomez offers a level of versatility that Diego Carlos simply doesn’t. Able to play across the back line, Gomez provides Villa with options in central defence and full-back positions. His ball-playing abilities are a notch above Carlos, ensuring smoother transitions from defence to attack. This technical proficiency could significantly bolster Villa’s defensive stability. Emery may well want another defender alongside Konsa and Pau Torres, to allow Maatsen to bomb on.

Aerial Dominance: Surprising Statistics

Interestingly, despite perceptions, Joe Gomez is more dominant in aerial duels compared to Diego Carlos. The statistics reveal Gomez’s aerial duel success rate is 75.6%, outshining Carlos’s 44.7%. This unexpected edge in the air adds another layer to Gomez’s defensive capabilities, making him a formidable presence in set-piece situations, both defensively and offensively. There’s no doubting for anyone that the England international is the better defender and an upgrade here.

Champions League Experience and First-Team Football

Joining Aston Villa would not just be a step up in regular first-team action for Joe Gomez but also a return to Champions League football. His extensive experience in Europe’s premier competition would be invaluable for Villa as they aim to solidify their status as a top club in the Premier League. Gomez’s willingness to move for consistent playing time has been evidenced already this summer.

Quoting The Athletic’s report around the Anthony Gordon swap, which states, “However, when Newcastle turned their attention to Gomez, Liverpool were willing to negotiate. The club’s longest-serving player also made it clear during discussions that he was open to joining Eddie Howe’s squad. Newcastle were offering him regular game time in his preferred role as a right-sided centre-back.” The end of the window is drawing nearer, but you don’t feel this is completely done.

Liverpool’s Stand and Future Prospects

Liverpool might be open to letting Gomez leave, especially for a good fee. With Sepp van den Berg returning from loan, the Reds have a promising defensive option to fill the potential void. Gomez’s departure could provide Liverpool with the funds to further strengthen their squad in other areas, making this a potentially feasible scenario. Most would want five there (including myself) in place, but maybe this could be the way to give Van Der Berg Minutes.

A Move The Player May Well Want

If Diego Carlos moves to Fulham, Villa targeting Joe Gomez makes strategic sense. Gomez’s versatility, superior ball skills, and surprising aerial prowess make him an ideal replacement. His Champions League experience would bring invaluable expertise to Villa’s backline, while his desire for regular first-team action aligns perfectly with Villa’s requirements. Liverpool, on the other hand, have some thinking to do if a bid arrives. If the player asks to move on, you don’t feel there’ll be a stop in his way. However, it has to be right and everyone confident we have enough options there. This may well be one to keep an eye on.

Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

Joe Gomez’s Versatility and Passing Precision

Joe Gomez, currently a key figure at Liverpool, presents an intriguing case when diving into his performance data. According to stats sourced from Fbref, Gomez excels particularly in areas related to possession and defensive actions. His passing accuracy stands out, with a completion rate of 82.6%, placing him in the 76th percentile among his peers in Europe’s top five leagues. Additionally, his proficiency in initiating plays is evident, with 69.6 passes attempted per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 91st percentile. These metrics underline Gomez’s capability to maintain possession and distribute the ball effectively from the back, crucial traits in modern football.

Aerial Prowess and Defensive Contributions

One of the more surprising elements of Gomez’s statistical profile is his aerial dominance. Despite often being seen as a more technical defender, his success rate in aerial duels is a staggering 83.1%, positioning him in the 94th percentile. This is significantly higher than many of his counterparts, showcasing an under-appreciated aspect of his game. Moreover, Gomez’s defensive contributions are solid across the board, with a tackle rate of 2.37 per 90 (75th percentile) and a notable interception rate of 1.18 (79th percentile). His ability to read the game and anticipate opposition moves is reflected in these numbers.

Joe Gomez: Understated but Effective

Gomez’s statistical footprint paints the picture of a versatile and reliable defender. While he may not always grab the headlines, his performance data tells a different story. With excellent passing precision, aerial prowess, and solid defensive contributions, Gomez continues to be a valuable asset for Liverpool. As clubs like Aston Villa reportedly express interest, his stats suggest he could be an upgrade in multiple areas for any team looking to strengthen their backline.