Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has revealed he encouraged Joe Gomez to sign a new contract at the club. The defender said he is happy that the England defender listened to his suggestion.
He also claimed that the 25-year-old could be one of the best England-center back around. The defender has signed a new five-year deal this summer.
THE IMPORTANCE OF JOE GOMEZ IN THE LIVERPOOL SQUAD
The England international career has been highlighted by the injuries. However, he has played well whenever he has got the opportunity. Hence, Jurgen Klopp considers him a very important player for the future. His contract was going to expire in the summer of 2002. He was also linked with the likes of Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Aston Villa.
However, it seems Jurgen Klopp has managed to make Joe Gomez sign the contract extension. The defender was also very happy with the decision. He said, ” It’s obviously a special moment for me and my family. Another one that you dream of as a kid and one I don’t take for granted. It is an unbelievable place to be; in my eyes, probably one of the best – if not the best – clubs in the world at the minute.
THE ROLE OF VIRGIL VAN DIJK IN THE CONTRACT EXTENSION
Virgil Van Dijk has now said that he encouraged the defender to sign a new contract with the club. The Dutch defender said his best is yet to come. However, Van Dijk like Klopp considers him an important payer for the present and future of the club. The Duch defender feels that the best years of Joe Gomez are still ahead of him. He also said he can be one of the best defenders if he stays injury free.
Virgil Van Dijk also added, ” We spoke about it before he signed the deal and I’m just very happy that he’s staying at the club, staying with me. Also, I’m happy for the club that he’s signed.“He is, in my opinion, [one of] if not the best English center-back around. Obviously, we’ve both been very unlucky with the injuries we had. Obviously, his time will come again and hopefully this season he can show it.
Gomez still faces stiff competition to play in the playing 11. He faces competition from Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip to partner with Van Dijk in the center of defense. He will also hope to make more appearances in the upcoming season.
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