Jurgen Klopp sends transfer hint amid Aston Villa links to ‘special’ Liverpool man

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has said that he is ‘very pleased’ with Aston Villa-linked Joe Gomez as the defender made his first Premier League start in over two years.

The centre-back was selected to play at right-back in the weekend’s clash against relegation-threatened Norwich City, a game in which Liverpool came out as 3-1 winners after going behind.

Amid his struggles for game time so far this season, Gomez has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer with Villa one of the clubs said to be interested.

However, speaking ahead of the Reds’ Premier League clash vs Leeds United, Klopp has praised the way that the player has dealt with the situation that he has found himself in.

“A very special story. With the quality of Joe, if I had it, I would be difficult to deal with,” he said in his press conference (via LiverpoolEcho ).

“Everyone loves Joey and with his injury, covid at the wrong time, he didn't get rhythm. I am really happy with his performance. I was pleased with him."

Gomez’s selection against Norwich was one of seven changes to the starting line-up made by Klopp.

And the Liverpool boss has said that the player’s performance was ‘an example’ to others, hinting that he could be given more game time due to the influence shown.

"It's not the position he loves the most [at right-back]. He is an example and we have lots of others,” he added.

“I told the boys yesterday, the way we deal with some situations is exceptional. Last 2 games, changes we made were massive with their influence. That's how it has to be."

It is said that Gomez is not actively seeking a move away from Liverpool in the coming window with the Reds also keen to keep hold of the defender beyond the summer.

Klopp’s praise for