Jürgen Klopp has declared himself pleased with the developmental steps Joe Gomez has taken so far in 2017-18, but remains certain there is more to come from the defender.

After three appearances last term, the England U21 captain has figured in nine games for the Reds so far this season having bounced back from a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in October 2015.

And Klopp is satisfied with how Gomez is evolving as he battles with Trent Alexander-Arnold for the right-back berth in the absence of Nathaniel Clyne.

The boss told Liverpoolfc.com: “Joe has made good progress. He is still young and had a long, long injury break. 

“Trent is also doing well of course, so we can switch the two boys for different games and that’s good. It’s always good to have different players in the same position.

“Joe has to improve and he knows that, in heading and things like this and timing. He knows it and we don’t have to mention it. 

“It’s clear there is space to improve, but he is already good and that’s good for us.”