I don't think physicality is an issue if -
He plays for a club that values technique, plays football on the ground, doesn't waste the ball, doesn't hoof the ball & plays with a team oriented type of football that aims to attack. Such a team can learn to compensate for Gomes's 'weaknesses' if a team values his strengths.
Plus the PL is hardly a physical league in comparison to what it was a couple years ago. As seen by today, a hand on salah led to a penalty. May struggle with headers but again - would be fine for a club that played football on the ground.
Even with such a team, players need to be athletic. Look at the two Silvas, Aguero, Sterling, etc at City. They are in amazing condition and can run all day. David Silva has completely transformed as a physical specimen over the last few years. Bernardo too, this season, has changed from a forward to a player who can operate in the midfield 3. Aguero wins headers and uses his power to hold off large centre backs.
Messi has lightning speed even when dribbling with the ball.
Then you look at someone like Mata who looks completely lost in a game with open spaces. He lacks speed and physicality and it completely impacts how his team can play. United struggled to replicate some of the speed of attacking play at Cardiff in the Huddersfield game when Mata replaced Martial.
When the attacking 4 of Martial, Rashford, Lingard and Pogba look impressive, it's as much about their speed and athleticism as anything else. I'm not sure Gomes can hang with that style offensively at the moment or has the physique or defensive acumen to operate in the midfield 3. The likes of Chong or Greenwood look far better suited.