Liverpool defender relishing battle with James Milner, Alberto Moreno

Joe Gomez says he is looking forward to forcing his way into Jurgen Klopp’s impressive Liverpool team.

The England Under-21 international has been stepping up his recovery from a serious knee injury which has kept the youngster sidelined for over 12 months.

Gomez ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty before having the chance to impress Klopp following the German’s appointment as Brendan Rodgers’ successor back in October 2015.

The promising defender was signed from Charlton Athletic in a £5m deal in the 2015 summer transfer window and the Northern Irish coach started Gomez in Liverpool’s opening three games in the 2015-16 season.

Klopp has been utilising James Milner in an unorthodox left-back role so far this term following Alberto Moreno’s erratic performance in a 4-3 win at Arsenal in their opening game of the season.

However, the Spanish defender impressed in Milner’s absence during a 4-2 win at Crystal Palace last month.

Speaking to Liverpool’s website, Gomez admitted that he is facing a challenge to break into Klopp’s starting line-up given the team’s form.

“The way the team is playing, it is the sort of team you want to play for,” Gomez told Liverpool’s website.

“It’s going to make it a challenge to get back in and around it. It’s a great team to play for and that’s what you aspire to do.”