Virgil van Dijk singles out 'outstanding' Liverpool star for role in Brighton win

Virgil van Dijk sang the praises of Joe Gomez after the defender’s outstanding showing in Liverpool’s win over Brighton.

Gomez was called from the bench at half-time at Anfield with the Reds 1-0 down after Ibrahima Konate was forced off with an arm injury. Scans have now shown the Frenchman thankfully didn't suffer a break after being accidentally trodden on by Van Dijk.

His replacement though certainly played his part in Liverpool’s comeback victory. Gomez almost brought the hosts level within minutes of his introduction, only to direct his header straight at Bart Verbruggen after being left free in the Brighton penalty area.

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While his first goal for Liverpool continues to elude him, his defensive prowess certainly doesn’t. Gomez proved to be a standout performer at the back, ensuring that Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah’s goals earned the Reds all three points.

The 27-year-old though might not have even been playing for Liverpool on Saturday had things turned out differently during the summer. Gomez was part of a proposed deal that would have seen him swap clubs with Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon at one point, while he also sat out the opening game of the season at Ipswich as he weighed up his future.

Fans will be delighted though that he stayed put at Anfield after Saturday’s display, and his captain was among those lauding his impact. “I think all of the guys that came on,” Van Dijk said. “Wata [Endo] was outstanding, Curtis [Jones got an] assist and was outstanding. That’s the message to everyone. Everyone has to come on and try to make an impact in a good way.

“With Joe I know obviously that he came from an interesting summer, but the way he has been on and off the pitch is remarkable. He’s so respected within the club and the team. He’s a fantastic player and he showed it today again.

“Whenever he is needed or whenever he starts he needs to be ready and like the rest of the guys. Today especially he was outstanding.”

Arne Slot was equally effusive in his praise of Gomez, if not even more so than Van Dijk. The Liverpool boss though could now face something of a dilemma at the back for Tuesday’s visit of Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.

With Konate confirming he will be available, it looks as though it could be a straight fight between the French international and Gomez to start alongside Van Dijk against the German champions.