Liverpool captain singles out defensive partner for a lot of credit

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expresses his satisfaction with Joe Gomez receiving the acknowledgement he deserves for his contributions.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is glad to see Joe Gomez getting the recognition he deserves for his valuable contributions. Gomez has played a pivotal role in the Reds’ successful first half of the season and continues to contribute.

The 26-year-old has played as a makeshift left-back in the absence of specialists left-backs Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. He exhibited remarkable versatility and consistently upheld a high level of performance while taking on numerous roles this season.

Gomez has played in his favourable centre-back position, as a right-back deputy to vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and as a left-back. He has made 30 appearances

in all competitions so far, contributing with three assists while only receiving two yellow cards.

Despite being defensively formidable, Gomez has shown his offensive abilities this season, trying to score his first senior-level goal. He has made 203 appearances for Liverpool and contributed nine assists but never scored a goal.

The 26-year-old stays at the back in set-piece situations and past seasons, he only focused on keeping the defence secure. These factors played a big role in the struggle to score a goal while his selfless contribution received less coverage.

Writing in the matchday programme before the FA Cup tie with Norwich (h/t Liverpoolfc.com), Van Dijk praised Gomez’s contributions. He wrote:

“Hopefully, the kind of recognition he is getting right now will become normal because it will mean that others are seeing him the same way we do”

Gomez has a very down-to-earth and introverted demeanour that keeps him away from the media’s attention. He faced criticism last season from many fans and pundits, struggling with form with coincided with the team’s struggle.

Nevertheless, the 26-year-old proved his naysayers wrong this season with incredible consistency and display of his talents. Gomez has also played a pivotal role in the possession and attacking aspect of the game.

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Despite facing challenges in scoring the first goal, Gomez has the full support of the Kopites. They were audibly urging him to “shoot” whenever he received the ball at the edge of the opposition box during the FA Cup victory over Norwich City.