Joe Gomez reveals just how close he came to leaving Liverpool in the summer as he opens up on life under Arne Slot

Gomez looked set to leave Liverpool in the summer and move to Newcastle in a deal that would have seen Anthony Gordon head the other way. However, the proposed transfer broke down and Gomez - who is Liverpool's longest-serving player - ended up staying. Gomez started the season behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah in the pecking order but injuries have meant he has featured for Arne Slot's team and made 11 appearances so far in all competitions.

Gomez has actually started Liverpool's last three games, against Girona, Newcastle and Manchester City, due to Konate's injury and will be hoping to continue in the starting XI alongside Van Dijk. The 27-year-old says leaving the Reds was on the cards in the summer but he is delighted to be continuing his career on Merseyside.

He told reporters: "Yeah, [leaving] was definitely for real. But my focus was always on the club. I know how blessed I am to be here. It will be 10 years next summer. I don’t take that for granted. It is the best club in the world in my eyes and (after the transfer didn’t happen) it was quickly a case of adapting and getting right back into the swing of things. It was quickly put to bed. That’s football. I am a big believer in focusing on the present. To be somewhere nearly 10 years and not have any blips would not be natural, which probably speaks about my ambition."

Gomez also offered some insight into playing for Slot at Liverpool, adding: "It’s a process from a tactical standpoint. It is definitely not as straightforward as just seeing a pass and playing it. A lot of it is about how we can get three-v-twos around the the pitch and try not to overload on one side. Just because the pass is on, it doesn’t mean you should play it, just wait on the ball a bit more. It has been great to learn. You just want to get better and improve as a player and the coach is helping me and the rest of the boys to do that. Arne is constantly reminding us that we cannot get complacent. The coaching staff and the gaffer’s attention to detail is second to none. I think even when we come in at half-time sometimes when things are not going our way, the ability to adapt in certain situations and guide us in the right way is so good."

Slot has his Liverpool team flying high after a stellar start to the season. The Reds are top of the standings in the Premier League and the Champions League ahead of Saturday's trip to Craven Cottage to face Fulham.