Premier League 19/20: Top 5 young defenders to look forward to this season

#2 Joe Gomez - Liverpool

Roberto Firmino and Joe Gomez in training.

Joe Gomez caught Liverpool's eye in 2014 when he broke into Charlton Athletic's first team. The Reds were quick to pounce on the young talent after he made 24 first-team appearances for Charlton as an 18-year-old.

After bringing the youngster to Anfield for just over £4.4 million in 2015, Gomez started for Liverpool in the left-back position. Less than 10 games in, he, unfortunately, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury along with Achilles tendon problems that left him on the sidelines for an entire year.

In the early stages of last season, Gomez featured consistently alongside Virgil van Dijk, ensuring his place in the team with solid performances. However, another injury - a fractured leg - pushed him to the sidelines once again, and he only regained his fitness in time to come on as a substitute in Liverpool's UEFA Champions League Final triumph in February.

Serious injuries set aside, the 22-year-old has been a consistent centre-back for Liverpool. He has made 60 appearances for the Reds so far and will be looking to cement his position at Anfield this coming season. The youngster is a great tackler, he can hold up the ball, and he offers a strong presence in aerial duels. Those aside, he has no notable weaknesses on the field.

Hopefully, he can put his injury problems behind him and focus on his future, which is likely to include a solid partnership with van Dijk and his name on the lips of supporters at Anfield.