Virgil van Dijk says he has been blown away by defensive partner Joe Gomez, who has overcome his injury issues to become one of Liverpool’s most important players this season

Virgil van Dijk has heaped praise on Liverpool defensive colleague Joe Gomez after manager Jurgen Klopp described him as “the winner of the season.”

Gomez has been sidelined by a series of long-term injuries during his time at Anfield but with the Reds’ having a dozen stars currently on the treatment table he has stepped up as their quadruple hopes remain alive.

And after impressing once again in Wednesday night’s FA Cup fifth-round win against Southampton, which tees up a quarter-final against Manchester United in a fortnight, Gomez was singled out by skipper Van Dijk.

“He did outstanding, big credit to him for him to perform at left-back, right-back, centre-half, six and does it on the high level,” Van Dijk said.

“I’m just pleased for him and knowing what we have been through together a couple of years ago. And for him to be playing on that level is something he should get maybe more credit for.

“But he is a very close friend of mine and he is a very good player and has been outstanding. Maybe one of the players of the season this year.”

Gomez has played in both full back roles and at centre half already this season and against Southampton he even stepped into a holding midfield role. In late January Klopp said that “he’s the winner of the season for sure, he is back to his best.”

But the 26-year-old, who has played in more than 230 games despite having sustained significant knee, achilles and ankle injuries, is yet to score a goal in senior football.

Joe Gomez has had an impressive season for Liverpool (
Image:
Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)
And speaking following the Saints win, the departing manager implored Liverpool fan to stop shouting “shoooooooot” every time Gomez receives possession near the final third.

“The way he played is absolutely crazy,” Klopp said. “But can I ask the people, as funny as it is… shoot. Leave the boy alone, one day he will shoot, he will find the moment himself. “If he shoots from 40 yards just because the people are calling then I will really get a bit angry but what a boy, what a game. Absolutely exceptional.”

Liverpool, who have already secured the Carabao Cup, travel to Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon with Klopp potentially without a dozen first-team players. Eight of those are certainly ruled out, while Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo are all rated as doubtful.