Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has said that Liverpool pair of Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk could form one of the greatest central defensive partnerships in the history of the Premier League.

In his Daily Mail column, the Englishman hailed the performance of the defensive pair this season.

He said that they have the right "blend of youth and experience, pace and poise, tenacity and understanding," adding that they have the "potential to become one of the greatest pairings the Premier League has ever seen."

The pair featured in Liverpool's two opening games against West Ham United and Crystal Palace. The Reds kept a clean sheet in both games, ensuring a good start to their season.

Liverpool signed Joe Gomez in the summer of 2015 from Charlton Athletic for £3.5m. Virgil van Dijk was signed last January from Southampton for £75m, a world record for a defender.

After finishing fourth in England last season and reaching the UEFA Champions League final, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping both players provide consistent and adequate defensive cover as they bid to win the EPL title this season.

The Reds will face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this weekend.