(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has praised centre back Joe Gomez's partnership with Virgil van Dijk for helping to get the Premier League leaders' defence back on track as they embark on a busy run of fixtures. Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table to 10 points after beating Watford 2-0 on Saturday, with Gomez and Van Dijk helping them keep back-to-back Premier League clean sheets for the first time this season. Gomez has only recently returned to a regular starting role due to injuries to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip, Liverpool's two other recognised centre-backs, and Klopp is pleased with his impact. "These two, Joe and Virg, they like each other a lot, and can play sensationally well together," Klopp said. "This outstanding skilled boy (Gomez) ... hasn't played consistently for a while.

Source: International New York Times December 16, 2019 04:41 UTC