Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez‘s England recall is totally deserved because the staff’s well-liked utility man continues to impress.
It was not that way back that hypothesis was linking the defender with a transfer away as he dropped down the pecking order at Anfield.
Nevertheless, this season he has taken over the mantle of the veteran James Milner, who left for Brighton in the summertime, when it comes to being a dependable performer in a variety of positions.
His 40 appearances have come throughout the again 4, with a pair as an emergency holding midfielder, as accidents piled up in February and that versatility is one thing which appeals to Gareth Southgate, who included him in his squad for the primary time since 2020 for subsequent week’s friendlies towards Brazil and Belgium.
“I’m very blissful for him. To be trustworthy, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) have been saying for fairly some time he undoubtedly shouldn’t e-book any holidays on this worldwide interval as he will certainly be in it,” mentioned Van Dijk.
“Nonetheless, it’s been such a very long time for him. The work he has put in day in, time out – him and his household – not many individuals see however he has been excellent the entire season and I’m delighted.
“Let him get his likelihood after which he’ll present he ought to keep within the squad.”
Gomez might be deployed in both full-back place or as Van Dijk’s companion for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final towards Manchester United at Previous Trafford.
It’s a credit score to him that his performances haven’t dropped regardless of being shifted across the pitch and the very fact he’s nonetheless solely 26 means his finest years are nonetheless forward of him.
Requested what had modified, Van Dijk added: “Enjoying extra helps, in fact, but it surely’s the boldness he performs with as nicely in any place throughout the again line and a few video games as a holding midfielder.
“He’s doing nice, he’s a implausible participant.”
Supervisor Jurgen Klopp trailed Gomez’s choice after final weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, when he praised his efficiency and urged it was a easy determination for Southgate.
“I don’t suppose my feedback had plenty of affect. Wasn’t mandatory actually, Joey deserves it, completely,” mentioned the Reds boss.
“The season he has performed up to now is totally distinctive. We might not be the place we’re with out Joey. He’s performed so many alternative positions. Actually blissful for him.
“I noticed on his face he was very blissful about it so it’s excellent news. Now, let’s play the (United) recreation, he can go there, and hopefully comes again wholesome and we will play the remainder of the season.”