Exclusive: Darren Bent in awe of Liverpool player who looked ‘Back to his best’ v Leicester
Darren Bent showered Liverpool defender Joe Gomez with praise following his performance in the 4-0 win over Leicester City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Laura O’Leary, the former England striker admitted he was impressed by Gomez’s display on Boxing Day as he wasn’t fazed by facing Jamie Vardy.
The 22-year-old centre-back has been sparingly-used by Jurgen Klopp this season with him making only nine Premier League appearances.
Bent explained that he never doubted Gomez’s ability as he’s always been a big fan, but suggested that the centre-back previously seem to lose his confidence.
When asked about Gomez looking back to his best against Leicester, Bent told Football Insider: “Yeah, listen I’ve always been a big fan of Joe Gomez.
“I’ve always felt that he is one of the best ones (centre-backs) they’ve got there.
“I always thought it would be him and Van Dijk that would form a partnership but to be fair to Matip he did really well to keep Gomez out the team.
“And it looked like Gomez has lost a little bit of confidence, but yesterday he looked like he was back to his best.
“It’s a real positive sign that you have guys like…Van Dijk and Gomez, what I like about these guys, is you know Vardy is quick, but it didn’t faze them at all.
“If I’m left one v one with him, I fancy my speed, my power against him and the best defenders in the world, don’t need cover.”
Gomez has faced tough competition when it comes to regularly featuring for the Reds with Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip keeping him out of the team at times.
The England international has been at Anfield since joining the Reds from Charlton in 2015 and is contracted to stay put until 2024.
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