Peter Crouch calls Liverpool star Joe Gomez England’s best defender

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Peter Crouch has raved about Liverpool’s Joe Gomez by describing him as England’s best defender, but suggested teammate Virgil van Dijk deserves a lot of credit for his positive impact on him.

The Reds signed Gomez for £3.5million (Guardian) back in 2015 from Charlton Athletic and he’s enjoyed a great rise at Anfield.

Gomez is currently an ever-present in a Liverpool team that are on the cusp of Premier League glory and he’s a key part of an impressive backline.

The 22-year-old has taken his game to new heights this campaign with stellar performances and is a Rolls-Royce defender.

He is a ball-playing centre-back that only has eight senior caps for England so far, but surely will nail down a permanent spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions plans moving forward after the season he’s had.

Crouch has pinpointed the influence of Dutchman Van Dijk, who has arguably had a positive lift on the entire squad with his leadership and authority since his arrival on Merseyside.

“[Van Dijk] has lifted those around him and it is noticeable how Joe Gomez has benefited from the Dutchman’s presence,” Crouch wrote in the Daily Mail.

“Gomez is now England’s best defender — would we have said the same about John Stones if he had enjoyed two years playing alongside Van Dijk?”

TBR’s View:

The Gomez-Van Dijk partnership has looked imperious at times this season for Liverpool, with a great blend of both pace and power.

There is no doubting that Van Dijk is rightfully the top dog in defence and there isn’t quite anyone like him in world football right now.

But it’s a credit to Gomez that he’s managed to nudge aside two quality teammates in Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip to become the second-choice centre-back under Jurgen Klopp.