DANIEL STURRIDGE has backed former Liverpool team-mate Joe Gomez to become world class.
The 23-year-old England defender was a standout performer last year as the Reds won their first tile in 30-years.
He formed a rock-solid partnership with Virgil Van Dijk, as Jurgen Klopp’s side stormed the Premier League.
There have been fears over ex-Charlton centre-back Gomez’s injury record, with a spate of long-term problems.
But Sturridge reckons his former Anfield pal has all the tools and ability to be one of the best in the world.
He told the The Beautiful Game Podcast: “Training against Joe Gomez when I was at Liverpool, I was thinking, ‘ok, ok’.
“I’m trying to twist you up, alright cool, you’re strong, alright cool yeah, you’re fast yeah, you’re not afraid to be dirty, you’ve got it all.
“You look at him and you think, yeah he’s next.
“He’s going to be in that class you can see it, he’s going to be in that class down the line.”
Sturridge also named Van Dijk as one of the best and toughest defenders he has ever faced.
The 31-year-old also picked out Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany and Chelsea great John Terry as other top centre-backs he had taken on.
The ex-West Brom striker is currently without a club after leaving Turkish side Trabzonspor in March.
