Liverpool defender Joe Gomez signs new six-year contract days after fracturing his leg

The 21-year-old is currently sidelined until well into the New Year following a firm tackle from Burnley defender Ben Mee

Liverpool have confirmed that defender Joe Gomez has signed a new long-term contract that reportedly commits him to the club until June 2024.

Gomez, 21, was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a fractured leg as a result of a firm tackle from Burnley defender Ben Mee earlier this month, but has been rewarded for establishing himself as a regular starter at the heart of Liverpool's defence this season.

Announcing the new deal on Liverpool's official website, Gomez said: “Signing this new deal means the world to me. I’ve been at the club a few years now and have had the pleasure to play for Liverpool and experience what that means, so I am delighted to get the chance to extend my contract here.

“I love the club, I love playing and learning here, and I am happy for that to continue.”

Gomez has forged a reputation as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe since recovering from the ACL tear in October 2015 that sidelined him for a year, and believes Liverpool is the right place for him to continue his long-term development.

Mee defended himself over the tackle that left Gomez with a fractured leg (Getty)

“There have been a lot of highs and lows, it’s my fourth season now and every one has been different,” he continued. “Obviously I would like to have had a few less setbacks along the way, but it has all been part of my journey – one that I have loved and embraced. I have learned so much.

“There have been good times on the pitch as well. Hopefully that can continue. I am learning under a great manager and great coaching staff and have all the tools around me to keep progressing and learning. I am looking forward to it.”

Liverpool ascended to the top of the Premier League thanks to a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, coupled with Manchester City's shock defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and Gomez is optimistic that his best times at Anfield lie ahead.

“All the signs show where the club is heading, where our team is heading,” he insisted. “We got so close last year in the European competition and in the league this year, we’ve shown such good character in the start to the season so far.

“[It’s] our best start ever as club, so that shows if there is ever a time to have belief in the club and where we’re going, it is now.”