Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock says Joe Gomez is still 'one of England's best centre-halves' despite not featuring for Gareth Southgate's side since 2020.
Gomez spent the majority of the 2020/21 season sidelined through injury and his game time at Anfield this season has been significantly reduced.
Both Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are seemingly above the 24-year-old in the pecking order and he's made just 14 appearances in all competitions so far this term, only five of which have come in the Premier League.
However, Warnock says it will 'take time' for the England international and Southgate would still have him in his squad.
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“Joe Gomez for me is arguably still one of England’s best centre-halves," he said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily show.
“Fully fit, I think Gareth Southgate would have him in his squad and he would arguably have him in his team. He is that good.
“His ability to read the game, to read situations, the pace that he has.
“I think it’s great to see him back on the football pitch. It’s going to take time for him.
“It’s a slow process for him but the big thing for him this season was to get through the season unscathed.”
Gomez was in action for the Reds midweek as they beat Norwich Coty 2-1 at Anfield to progress to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Last month he played his first 90 minutes in the league this season, also against the Canaries, but was used at right-back in order to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a rest.
The lack of game time this term has resulted in numerous rumours and reports linking him with a move away from Anfield.
However, manager Jurgen Klopp said after the Norwich tie this week: "Joe, we don't have to discuss his quality, obviously, and he showed it again tonight.
"That's exactly what we need to be successful in the long term."
