Liverpool's Joe Gomez reacts during the Premier League match at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool. Picture date 25th August 2018. Picture credit should read: Matt McNulty/Sportimage via PA Images

Liverpool open contract talks to reward Joe Gomez’s incredible rise

Joe Gomez has produced a remarkable run of form at centre-back this season, and Liverpool are eager to tie the 21-year-old to a new long-term contract.

Gomez only put pen to paper on new terms at the beginning of last year, agreeing a five-year deal that would keep him on Merseyside until 2022.

Back then, he was still operating as a right-back, alternating with Trent Alexander-Arnold as Jurgen Klopp comfortably navigated a serious injury to Nathaniel Clyne.

Alexander-Arnold is now established as first choice on the flank, however, and Gomez is close to cementing his place as Virgil van Dijk‘s partner on a full-time basis.

His performance in Wednesday night’s 4-0 thrashing of Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League highlighted this, with his strength, pace, composure and reading of the game all key attributes.

Liverpool are looking to reflect the increased importance of their No. 12, with the Telegraph‘s Andy Hunter reporting that they are “starting talks” with Gomez’s agent.

Though the Times‘ Paul Joyce adds that “discussions [are] at early stage,” it seems likely the two parties will agree terms.

It is likely that this would entail a pay rise, and hopefully add at least another year onto his current deal.

LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 29, 2018: Liverpool's Joe Gomez (left) and Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

At such a young age, Gomez has world-class potential as a centre-back, particularly as he continues to learn from Van Dijk.

He has shown no inclination of moving elsewhere, and bar any further injury problems he looks set to establish himself as a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence long into the future.

That the club are seeking to extend his terms, despite his contract having three-and-a-half years left to run, is a testament to their belief in this.

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