Liverpool Skipper Virgil Van Dijk Welcomes Joe Gomez's England Team Recall

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Joe Gomez바카라�s England recall is fully deserved as the team바카라�s popular utility man continues to impress. (More Football News)

It was not that long ago that speculation was linking the defender with a move away as he dropped down the pecking order at Anfield.

However, this season he has taken over the mantle of the veteran James Milner, who left for Brighton in the summer, in terms of being a reliable performer in a number of positions.

His 40 appearances have come across the back four, with a couple as an emergency holding midfielder, as injuries piled up in February and that versatility is something which appeals to Gareth Southgate, who included him in his squad for the first time since 2020 for next week바카라�s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

바카라�I바카라�m very happy for him. To be honest, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) have been saying for quite a while he definitely shouldn바카라�t book any holidays in this international period as he will definitely be in it,바카라� said Van Dijk.

바카라�Still, it바카라�s been such a long time for him. The work he has put in day in, day out 바카라� him and his family 바카라� not many people see but he has been outstanding the whole season and I바카라�m delighted.

바카라�Let him get his chance and then he will show he should stay in the squad.바카라�

Gomez could be deployed in either full-back position or as Van Dijk바카라�s partner for Sunday바카라�s FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

It is a credit to him that his performances have not dropped despite being shifted around the pitch and the fact he is still only 26 means his best years are still ahead of him.

Asked what had changed, Van Dijk added: 바카라�Playing more helps, of course, but it바카라�s the confidence he plays with as well in any position across the back line and a couple of games as a holding midfielder.

바카라�He바카라�s doing great, he바카라�s a fantastic player.바카라�

Manager Jurgen Klopp trailed Gomez바카라�s selection after last weekend바카라�s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, when he praised his performance and suggested it was a simple decision for Southgate.

바카라�I don바카라�t think my comments had a lot of influence. Wasn바카라�t necessary really, Joey deserves it, absolutely,바카라� said the Reds boss.

바카라�The season he has played so far is absolutely exceptional. We would not be where we are without Joey. He바카라�s played so many different positions. Really happy for him.

바카라�I saw on his face he was very happy about it so it바카라�s good news. Now, let바카라�s play the (United) game, he can go there, and hopefully comes back healthy and we can play the rest of the season.바카라�