Gomez deserves to receive more plaudits: Barnes

LIVERPOOL legend John Barnes has described the club’s talented centre-back Joe Gomez as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Gomez has made an impressive start to the season, forging a partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of a Liverpool defence which has conceded only five league goals in the opening 12 games.

He has long been admired by England manager Gareth Southgate and looked set to be included in the World Cup squad before injury. However, the 21-year old has been a regular in the Nations League and started England’s 2-1 win over Croatia on Sunday in Harry Maguire’s absence.

“One of the most underrated players in the Premier League,” said Barnes of the young Gomez. “He’s learning from one of the best defenders in the world and keeps improving, game after game.

“If England play a back five then he absolutely should be starting for me. Maguire and (John) Stones just pip him for a place in a four-man defence.”

Barnes believes the success of Jurgen Klopp’s new-look defensive unit is a key reason for their fast start to the season, which has seen them go unbeaten in the Premier League with a 30-point haul.

“For me Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the Premier League. He’s the reason why Liverpool are keeping up with Manchester City,” he said.

Meanwhile, striker Sadio Mane has agreed a new long-term contract with Liverpool to remain at Anfield until 2023.

The Senegal forward has scored 40 goals in 89 appearances for the Reds since joining from Southampton in June 2016 for £34million.