Liverpool defender Joe Gomez was an excellent performer on his return to the starting line-up in midweek
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory with Joe Gomez after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase match at Olympique de Marseille on January 21 2026
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates victory with Joe Gomez after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league phase match at Olympique de Marseille on January 21 2026(Image: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
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Joe Gomez has urged Liverpool to take belief from their impressive Champions League victory at Marseille - as he opened up on his partnership with Virgil van Dijk. The Reds moved to the brink of automatic progress to the last 16 with a 3-0 win on Wednesday evening that moved them up to fourth in the standings with one game of the opening stage remaining.
Arne Slot's side can avoid the need for a two-legged play-off next month by beating Azerbaijan champions Qarabag at Anfield next Wednesday.
And having seen hopes of defending the Premier League title all but disappear after a troubled first half to the season, Gomez believes Europe can still offer a silver lining for the campaign.
"We know our league position is pretty difficult in terms of trying to retain the championship," he said. "In the Champions League, aiming to qualify in the week and get top eight is massive for us and gives us a real focus to strive for and try to make something for the season, as it always should be at this club.
"It's only positive and we've got to enjoy it and relish the challenge.
"I think we've just got to try to take belief and take the positives from the game, keep the good habits.
"A clean sheet is a massive foundation. I think defensively we've been pretty solid regardless but we've just not been able to see out games all the time and get a convincing win."
Gomez made only his eighth start of the season in midweek and is likely to continue at Bournemouth on Saturday evening with Ibrahima Konate having been given compassionate leave following the death of his father.
It meant the England international was reunited at centre-back in France with close friend Van Dijk, with whom he was paired for much of the title-winning 2019/20 season.
"It's been a long journey, plenty of ups and downs, but I've had so many good memories and experiences with Virg and being alongside him," said Gomez. "It's always a pleasure.
"It's a joy for me. Obviously I can speak for myself; he's the best to do it, in my eyes.
"He's probably my closest friend in football. I think we know each other pretty well and you don't lose awareness of what his tendencies are and how he likes to play. You always just try to do your best and thankfully it can work well."
While Liverpool have extended their unbeaten run to 13 games, they have been unable to move clear in fourth place in the Premier League after the frustration of four successive draws.
Bournemouth have won only one of their last 14 games, although that came in their most recent home match against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
And Gomez, speaking to liverpoolfc.com, added: "Bournemouth are a high-intensity team, (we are) back in the Premier League and it'll be tough away from home, but we'll just have to try to take what we can towards the game.
"Everyone knows their ability and how good they are as a group - obviously it's changed because they've been so successful and they lose a lot of players, but they're so good at recruiting and bringing in new talent.
"A great manager and a great team, so it's going to be a tough game."