Trent Alexander-Arnold compares Liverpool and England team-mate to Virgil Van Dijk

Trent Alexander-Arnold has labelled Liverpool and England team-mate Joe Gomez as a mini Virgil Van Dijk.

Gomez has blossomed playing alongside the world’s most expensive defender and is likely to start for England in their UEFA Nations League game with Croatia tonight.

While injury ruined his World Cup dreams, Gomez has not let that affect him this season and his partnership with Van Dijk, bought for £75m in January, has been a key factor in the Reds’ unbeaten start to the Premier League season.

READ MORE: Ranked! The best 15 African players in Premier League history

READ MORE: 20 teen sensations who quickly faded into obscurity

READ MORE: 7 veterans who defied age to dominate in the top flight

Alexander-Arnold has had one of the best seats in the house to see that, playing on the right of the back four in the majority of Liverpool’s games.

And he reckons Gomez is one of the best centre-backs on the league, despite the fact he only turned 21 in May.

“He’s showing this season he’s a top player,” Alexander-Arnold told Liverpool’s official website.

“At a young age, he’s one of the best in his position in the league. That takes some doing, so that’s credit to him especially with the setbacks he has had [with injuries].

He has an immense hunger and drive to keep succeeding, going forward and getting better. You see that every day in training with the way he applies himself.

“The relationship he has forged with Virgil has really helped him. He probably looks up to Virgil as a bit of a role model.

“It’s like he’s a mini-Virgil at times!”