Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez may be close friends but that didn’t stop the Dutchman from ridiculing his fellow defender during a tricky training exercise. Van Dijk and Gomez once forged a formidable partnership in the heart of Liverpool’s defence as the Reds won the title under Jurgen Klopp in 2020.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk recently showcased his playful side during a training session, mercilessly poking fun at his close friend and teammate Joe Gomez in a light-hearted moment that highlighted their strong bond. In a video released by Liverpool this week, the pair participated in a challenging training exercise where one player holds and drops a stick, and the other must catch it mid-air.

Gomez struggled to grab the stick, prompting Van Dijk to burst into laughter and mock his teammate’s efforts, with Gomez eventually retorting, “This is on camera by the way!” Despite the ribbing, Gomez managed to catch the stick, but when he tried to turn the tables, Van Dijk’s sharp reflexes ensured he caught it every time, denying Gomez any chance for revenge.

The clip underscores the deep friendship between the two defenders, who have been through highs and lows together since Van Dijk joined Liverpool in 2018. Van Dijk has previously spoken about their closeness, stating in 2024, “I think the closest I am at the moment is Joe Gomez.

We’ve been through everything together here at the club.” Their camaraderie was evident even as Gomez, Liverpool’s longest-serving player since joining in 2015, faced challenges with injuries and competition from Ibrahima Konaté, yet remains a trusted squad member.

The light-hearted moment comes amidst a bittersweet period for Liverpool, with the recent tragic loss of teammate Diogo Jota, to whom Van Dijk paid an emotional tribute, calling him “No. 20 forever.” As Liverpool prepare for their Premier League opener against Tottenham, such moments of levity reflect the squad’s unity under Arne Slot’s leadership.