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It was a sight for sore eyes, watching Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez warming up on the touchline preparing to play an honest-to-goodness game of football.
It was the first time the two pillars in the Liverpool defense had graced the pitch together in 285 days and it was enough to bring a tear to the eye of every Red supporter.
“It’s hard to put into words my gratitude at having been able to put on the red shirt again,” Gomez wrote on social media following the game.
“It’s been a period that has severely tested me physically and emotionally. One that I don’t feel I would have come through without the support of those around me.
After months of hard work together, back on the pitch together
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 29, 2021
A fitting moment ❤️ pic.twitter.com/l6WleegrRQ
“A special thanks to the phenomenal surgeon, physios and rehab specialists who’ve guided me through this – each one of them knows how grateful I am.
“Big love to all the LFC family for your support and words of encouragement; that’s staff and fans.
“And most importantly to my wife and family, who are my reason to do it all. I’m thankful. Onwards and upwards.”
Sure, neither Van Dijk nor Gomez looked match sharp, and of course it was only preseason it was only preseason but Premier League attackers to find their way past those two, Ibrahima Konaté and Joel Matip in the center of defense this season.