McAvennie details why ‘it’s hard’ for Joe Gomez to play with Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool
Frank McAvennie has claimed Liverpool will be “challenging for everything” next season after securing a long-term deal for Joe Gomez.
However, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker suggested 25-year-old doesn’t look as good as he actually is because of Virgil van Dijk’s superiority.
On Thursday (7 July), the Reds confirmed Gomez has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.
The defender put pen to paper on a five-year deal, tying him down to the club until 2027.
The England international joined Liverpool from Charlton Athletic in 2015.
When asked for his reaction to the news, McAvennie told Football Insider: “This year Liverpool will be challenging for everything again.
“I think it’s good to keep players there that know each other. [Jurgen] Klopp’s not going to sign somebody if he doesn’t think they’ll do a good job.
“We’re talking about elite managers. He’s not going to let good players go.
“Gomez is a good player, I just think it’s hard for anybody to play alongside Van Dijk. You don’t look as good. Whoever it is playing alongside van Dijk is never going to look as good.
“I think Gomez knows that and I think he knows he’s going to get game time at Liverpool. Why wouldn’t he want to sign for a team like that and be part of that.“
Gomez made 21 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool last season.
He provided one assist during that time.
In other news, a pundit has suggested Fabio Carvalho in line for ‘integral’ Liverpool role after teammate’s ‘massive’ reveal.