Joe Gomez believes the “healthy environment” that exists in Liverpool’s centre-back department has been the key to their miserly start to the season.
And Gomez insists new-boy Ibrahima Konate has already helped push him on further after he captained the side for the first time in Tuesday’s 3-0 win at Norwich in the Carabao Cup.
Gomez was given the armband when he started next to Konate as the Reds kept their fifth clean sheet of the season in all competitions at Carrow Road.
Kai Havertz’s header in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last month is the only goal the Reds have shipped in the Premier League, while the 3-2 win over AC Milan last week was the only other game Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded in this term.
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With £36m summer signing Konate on board and Gomez fit once more alongside Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, Jurgen Klopp has plenty to choose from at centre-back at present.
Gomez says all four players are helping keep the quality of performances sky high at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
“Ibou is a top guy and an unbelievable player,” Gomez said. “Look at his attributes, you can see how good he is.
“When I was younger I had Virg, but Ibou is already experienced, he’s already a top player, he’s played in the Champions League.
“It’s just enjoyable playing alongside him, we both relish being young centre-backs trying to prove ourselves.
“We strive to push each other every day.
“It’s a healthy environment. We’re all really close. Everyone knows how close I am with Virgil, but I am with Joel as well.
“Maybe people don’t see it because Joel is not on social media, but we are all very close."
He continued: “It’s healthy and we all need rotation as well. We’ve all had our injuries, and I think that [rotation] will help us.
“We embrace the challenge, it’s what you expect at a club like Liverpool.”
On captaining the club for the first time, Gomez added: “For sure it’s a proud moment.
“It’s a special occasion. Obviously I was aware a lot of the senior lads were out of the game, but I suppose it gave me a chance to lead the boys.
“It was a special night. I think the boys did unbelievably well, the boys who made their debut, and to come away with a victory and a clean sheet was special.”
