Liverpool are well and truly in the Premier League title race following an excellent start to the Premier League season.

After reaching the Champions League final last season, Jurgen Klopp made a number of key additions to his squad in the summer and Liverpool look well-equipped to battle Manchester City for the title. With a number of their new signings yet to fully settle into life at Anfield, Liverpool’s defensive improvement has been a crucial reason for their early season form. The Reds were previously known for their devastating attack, but it’s been their back four who have been grabbing the headlines.

The arrival of Virgil van Dijk last January has been a key factor in their improvement, but the emergence of Joe Gomez has also been a joy to watch. The former Charlton defender (valued at £25.2m by Transfermarkt) found most of his game time at right-back last season, being used in a rotation system with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The defender made his name with the Latics at centre-back and was used centrally by Gareth Southgate, excelling for his country against Brazil and Neymar.

With Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip sidelined, Gomez was given a chance to partner the Dutchman and has since made the position his own. The 21-year-old has averaged 1.7 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season and has completed 87% of his passes so far (WhoScored). Confident on the ball with a great turn of pace, reports suggest Liverpool will reward the youngster with a new long-term contract as a result of his rapid development.

With Van Dijk and Gomez at the back, Liverpool’s defence could be complete for the next decade.

Liverpool fans, thoughts?