Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is full of praise for teammate Virgil van Dijk.

Gomez and Van Dijk have proved to be a fearsome pairing at times at the back for the Reds this season.

"I was a young centre back when he arrived, and as soon as he came in he reached out with open arms and we formed a bond straight away," he said.

"He's down to earth off the pitch and we really get on. We casually speak about life, and on the pitch we have an understanding. He's a mate at the end of the day.

"Sometimes he gives me an earful but it's a massive help and a confidence boost just having someone like him beside you. He doesn't really lose headers at all, just his presence beside me. When he goes down [injured], there's a gasp and a worry in the stadium, he's a real dominant force."