MERSEYSIDE -- Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he is pushing his team-mate Joe Gomez to sign a new contract. Van Dijk claims the 25-year-old Gomez can become England's best centre-back.

Gomez signed a new five-year contract earlier this summer, despite only playing 21 times last season in all competitions.

Much of his Anfield career has been marred by injury since arriving at Anfield in 2015 from Charlton Athletic. However, Van Dijk has spoken to him and assured him that in turn he will earn a place in the first team if he signs a new contract.

"We talked about it before he signed the deal and I'm really happy he's staying at the club, staying with me. I'm also happy for the club he signed," said Van Dijk, quoted by Sportskeeda , Wednesday (27/7/2022).

Van Dijk said Gomez and he had been very unlucky to have suffered an injury that cost him his place in the first team. But the time will come and hopefully Gomez can put in his best form of the season.

Gomez made 142 appearances for the Reds in all competitions. He has missed 136 games due to injury. But he is still willing to sign a new contract despite the threat of not getting a place in the main squad. He still sees the best years are still ahead of him.

“This is definitely a special moment for me and my family. Another one that you dreamed of as a child and which I don't take for granted. It's an amazing place. In my eyes, probably one of the best, if not the best, clubs in the world right now," Gomez said after signing a new contract.

Gomez feels that he is still young so he has plenty of time to play his best game in the future. He will learn more.

With his amazing coach and staff plus the support of his teammates, Gomez is sure he will grow even more. He will be competing with Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip to partner Van Dijk at centre-back.