Joe Gomez: 'Philippe Coutinho as good as Neymar'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 25 March 2018

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez claims that former teammate Philippe Coutinho is every bit as good as Paris Saint-Germain winger Neymar.

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has claimed that former teammate Philippe Coutinho is every bit as good as his compatriot Neymar.

Gomez came up against Neymar in an international friendly at Wembley in November, marking his debut with a clean sheet in a goalless draw against Tite's side.

The 20-year-old also played alongside Coutinho prior to the midfielder's big-money move to Barcelona in January, and Gomez believes that both Brazilians are "world class".

"I'm not sure [who is better], they're both world class. They're both incredible players and it's a pleasure for me to come up against such talent," Gomez told reporters.

"It has to be a balance of respecting the ability but also understanding that he's your opponent and you can't be in awe of him, otherwise that might not do you any good.

"I try to learn as much as I can about each opponent and study their threats."

Gomez earned his second England cap during Friday's 1-0 win over the Netherlands, although he lasted only 10 minutes before being forced off with an ankle injury.