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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez’s England recall is totally deserved because the crew’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.
Nonetheless, 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 quite a few positions.
Joe Gomez has been referred to as as much as the England squad for 2 friendlies this month.
Properly in, Joe
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 14, 2024
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 in opposition to Brazil and Belgium.
“I’m very comfortable for him. To be sincere, 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,” stated 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 in opposition to 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 greatest years are nonetheless forward of him.
Requested what had modified, Van Dijk added: “Taking part in extra helps, in fact, but it surely’s the arrogance he performs with as properly in any place throughout the again line and a few video games as a holding midfielder.
“He’s doing nice, he’s a unbelievable participant.”
Supervisor Jurgen Klopp trailed Gomez’s choice after final weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester Metropolis, when he praised his efficiency and urged it was a easy determination for Southgate.
“Joey deserves it, completely. What a season he performed to this point, he’s completely distinctive.”
Jürgen Klopp on Joe Gomez’s #ThreeLions name
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 15, 2024
“I don’t assume my feedback had a number of affect. Wasn’t vital actually, Joey deserves it, completely,” stated the Reds boss.
“The season he has performed to this point is completely distinctive. We might not be the place we’re with out Joey. He’s performed so many alternative positions. Actually comfortable for him.
“I noticed on his face he was very comfortable 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.”
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