Rio Ferdinand reacts to Joe Gomez performance in Liverpool win

By Jordan Harris

Rio Ferdinand has praised Joe Gomez on his YouTube channel following Liverpool’s superb win against Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, noting that he has not played well for some time.

The Reds were absolutely outstanding against the champions at the weekend. Mohamed Salah scored the only goal, and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that that result ignites their season.

But of course, the key battle looked set to be at the other end of the pitch. Liverpool had already denied Erling Haaland once this season. But Haaland has been absolutely lethal in the weeks since the Community Shield.

Joe Gomez praised by Rio Ferdinand

Haaland failed to score for only the second time in the Premier League on Sunday. Virgil van Dijk was lauded for his performance. But it was also a big occasion for Gomez.

Gomez has had a really frustrating spell with Liverpool, rarely playing at centre-back. But he has stepped up with two impressive performances in a row. And Ferdinand was full of praise for his display.

“Joe Gomez, he hasn’t played well at all in recent weeks. He played well against Rangers, but that’s not really the marker you’re looking for. He goes in against Haaland who’s been the animal of the league. Him and Virgil van Dijk lock him down,” he told his YouTube channel.

It is easy to forget just how good Gomez has been for Liverpool down the years. He made 28 appearances in the year the Reds won the Premier League title.

Unfortunately, a serious injury really hurt him. Not only did he have to spend several months on the sidelines, but he then returned to a Liverpool side thriving with a partnership consisting of van Dijk and Joel Matip.

Meanwhile, the Reds also have Ibrahima Konate. They have so much quality at the heart of their defence. And it seemed that Gomez may be destined to be the one who struggles for minutes.

But Gomez was back to his best on Sunday. If that is what is to come from the centre-back, a solid run in the side surely beckons for the Englishman.