Joe Gomez: Centre-back competition is good and healthy
Joe Gomez considers high-class competition for places in defence to be a major positive for Liverpool.
The No.12 was partnered by new signing Ibrahima Konate at centre-back for the majority of the Reds’ 3-1 friendly win over CA Osasuna at Anfield.
Monday evening’s match came a little over 24 hours after Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk had marshalled the backline during the 1-1 draw with Athletic Club, as Jürgen Klopp’s squad rounded off their pre-season programme with back-to-back games.
And Gomez - who, along with Matip and Van Dijk, is fit again following a long-term injury - believes the strength of the defensive options at Klopp’s disposal can only be a plus for the club.
Highlights: Liverpool 3-1 Osasuna
“That’s part and parcel of being at a top club, I think,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“That’s what this club deserves and that’s what we all thrive off: competition is good and it’s healthy. But we can all learn off one another, I think each of us is different and we’ve got top quality.
“Obviously the likes of Rhys and Nat and Ben and so on, all top players, and it’ll be good this season. Now it’s just to learn from each other and keep pushing each other, day in and day out.”
On Konate specifically, Gomez continued: “Ibou’s top. He’s a great player and has adapted straight away to our style of play. Obviously it can be high-intensity sometimes but he’s got all the attributes to thrive I think.”
The 24-year-old missed a large portion of last season due to a knee injury sustained in November and spoke of how delighted he was to play at a near-full Anfield once again.
Gomez said: “It was a long road, one that made me really appreciate today. Not just today, but just being back with the boys and training again.
“I’m loving it and I didn’t need the perspective but I definitely got further insight into how much of a blessing it is to play in front of this crowd. Today was a special atmosphere again.
“We’re so lucky to have a support like this and a stadium like this that creates such a special atmosphere. Obviously for the likes of me and Virg, these were monumental moments for us and one that I’ve really enjoyed, for sure.”
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign begins at Norwich City on Saturday - and Gomez is in no doubt that they are ready to go.
“I think these two games were perfect and I think everyone took that step up in intensity tonight. Everyone’s looking forward to the start of the season, that’s when the business starts,” he stated.
“It’ll be a tough trip. It’s a difficult place to go, Norwich, but we’ll be ready and that’s what we’re here for. That’s what all the work in pre-season was for so we’ll look forward to it.”