Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk may share a close friendship with Joe Gomez, but that didn’t stop him from playfully teasing his teammate during a tough training drill. The pair, who once formed a solid defensive partnership that helped Liverpool win the Premier League under Jürgen Klopp in 2020, were caught in a light-hearted exchange during a recent session.
In a video released by the club this week, Van Dijk’s humorous side was on display as he poked fun at Gomez during a reflex-based drill. The task involved one player dropping a stick for the other to catch mid-air — a challenge that Gomez initially struggled with, prompting laughter and playful mockery from Van Dijk. Gomez, amused but slightly exasperated, quipped, “This is on camera by the way!” He eventually succeeded, but when the roles reversed, Van Dijk’s quick reflexes meant Gomez couldn’t get his own back.
The footage highlighted the strong bond between the two defenders, who have experienced both triumph and adversity together since Van Dijk arrived at Liverpool in 2018. In 2024, Van Dijk described Gomez as his closest teammate, saying, “We’ve been through everything together here at the club.”
Despite injuries and increased competition — particularly from Ibrahima Konaté — Gomez, who joined Liverpool in 2015 and is now the squad’s longest-serving player, remains a valued and dependable presence in the team.
This cheerful moment arrives during an emotional time for Liverpool, following the tragic death of teammate Diogo Jota. Van Dijk recently paid tribute, referring to Jota as “No. 20 forever.” As the Reds gear up for their Premier League opener against Tottenham, the camaraderie and team spirit evident in these lighter moments signal a united squad under new manager Arne Slot.
