“He is obviously a top, top player” – Liverpool youngster opens up about partnering Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez played as a centre-back in our 4-0 win over West Ham on the opening day of the season. The young Englishman also starred as a right-back for us last season and the defender opened up to Liverpool’s website

“Playing at full-back gives you insight into what you want your centre-half to do, position-wise. I wouldn’t say I totally switched off from it but pre-season did help in terms of bedding back in and getting used to it.

“I know which ball the full-back doesn’t want sometimes! You can give them a square pass and it’s not the best to deal with. It does help.”

Gomez looked comfortable at the back, partnering Virgil van Dijk against the Hammers. The Dutch defender seems great on the ball and is a calming figure for the Reds at the back.

The young Englishman added that Van Dijk is a great model to have and is a quality player too.

“It’s nice to play alongside him and we get along well, on the pitch we communicate. And it helps – it’s one of the key things.

“Hopefully I can continue to learn and progress and he is obviously a good role model, by watching and trying to soak up everything. He is obviously a top, top player.”

Van Dijk and Gomez looked great as a pair as they ensured Alisson had a relatively easy match against the Hammers.

Read more: “We’re moving forward”: Liverpool star confident of winning trophies at Anfield

Liverpool face Crystal Palace in their next clash on Monday and Gomez should get the nod to continue alongside Van Dijk after his stellar performance against West Ham.