New Liverpool signing Joe Gomez praises Brendan Rodgers role after completing Anfield move

New Liverpool signing Joe Gomez says Brendan Rodgers' policy to look towards youth helped convince him to move to Anfield, where he hopes to establish himself in the centre-half position.

On Saturday 20 June, Liverpool announced via their official website 18-year-old Gomez had signed a long-term contract after paying a £3.5m – as reported by BBC Sport – to acquire his services.

The youngster made 24 appearances for Charlton in the Championship last season, many of those coming at right back. But Gomez hopes to follow in the footsteps of one of his role models Rio Ferdinand and Liverpool greats Jamier Carragher and Sami Hyypia and establish himself at the heart of his team's defence in the future.

"I like to think I am a ball-playing centre-back who likes to be physical and has got a bit of pace. I'd like to say I am a leader as well," Gomez told Liverpool's official website.

"I made by debut, and started playing at first last season at right back. I really enjoyed it there because I like to get forward. But I definitely see myself as a centre-back, I feel more comfortable there and enjoy it there. So in the long-term, hopefully [I see myself] at centre-back."

Since taking over at Liverpool in 2012, manager Rodgers has shown his willingness to hand first team opportunities to the club's youngsters. Raheem Sterling and Jordon Ibe have both become members of the first team squad under the Northern Irish manager's tenure while Jerome Sinclair, Jordan Rossiter and Brad Smith have also been handed first team debuts.

When asked if this was a factor in his decision to join Liverpool, Gomez said: "Yes, 100%. Being a young player, I know that opportunities can be slim sometimes. But under a manager like Brendan, it speaks for itself. That is why I was really keen to come here and play under him."

Gomez becomes Liverpool's fourth signing of the summer transfer window with James Milner, Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan all set to join the club on 1 July.