Liverpool will attempt to retain their title next season and some players will be desperate to prove that they should be a key part of the team.

The Reds are about to get their pre-season underway as they face a trip to Deepdale to take on Preston North End.

This will be Arne Slot’s first chance to assess all of his options as he welcomes a plethora of new arrivals to the team, with the Dutchman needing to work out his best XI as soon as possible.

For existing players and youngsters, they will be desperate to prove to their boss why they should be first choice next season because if not, they might fancy a move elsewhere.

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Joe Gomez is one of these fringe players who could be set for one last chance to revive his Liverpool career, with injuries significantly impacting his progression.

The Englishman is already having to play catch-up but if he can hit similar heights to what he did 2020, then he will surely have a key role to play next season.

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Gomez has never once struggled with ability as he is one of the league’s best defenders on his day, but his injury problems mean he does not get to prove it very often at all.

Alongside Virgil van Dijk in the 2019/20 season, they created a formidable partnership that was key in bringing home their first ever Premier League title, something Slot will hope they can reproduce.

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However, the 28-year-old has not played since February so he is already needing to work harder than most around him, suggesting he has a very uphill battle ahead.

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But this summer could be his best chance to break into the team for good if he can manage those injuries effectively, and he might just be one of Slot’s most important players.

Selling Jarell Quansah has left Liverpool a little light at the back and if Ibrahima Konate does indeed depart, then they will be left incredibly short, meaning Gomez could be essential.

The Englishman could also save the Reds a lot of money as he can act as a new signing given the length of time he has been out, as long as he can still perform to the highest level.

His versatility is also another trait that makes him a manager’s dream as he can play anywhere along the backline, suggesting this pre-season could be career-defining for Gomez if he gets it right.

Even though he is still only 28, Gomez is Liverpool’s longest-serving player after being at the club for over a decade, signing from Charlton for just £3.5m.

Despite being at Anfield this long and suffering so many setbacks, the Englishman’s love for the Reds is undeniable and he is keen to keep on going despite interest from elsewhere.

In an emotional post following the trophy parade in May, Gomez rounded off his heartfelt paragraph by writing: “A decade in red… and still hungry to keep going,” suggesting he is not done just yet.

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Gomez has interest from seven other Premier League clubs, including Leeds, Sunderland, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham and Burnley, showing just how in-demand he really is.

However, he appears to have his heart set on making it at Liverpool and he might just get the opportunities to prove himself once again.
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