PA Images/Alamy Images

Steve McManaman has admitted he ‘would be gutted’ to see one player in particular leave Liverpool – labelling the 26-year-old as ‘absolutely priceless’.

Following the departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia in the summer, Joe Gomez is now the Anfield outfit’s longest serving player and has been in fine form of late.

The versatile defender was signed by Brendan Rodgers from Charlton in 2015 and has since won every major trophy possible during his time on Merseyside.

Our No. 2 has deputised for the injured Kostas Tsimikas at left back recently and ex-Red McManaman believes Gomez is ‘just as important as the superstars’.

“I would be gutted if he left because people like Gomez are absolutely priceless to you at a football club,” he told Liverpool Echo (via Rousing The Kop).

“If you go back to Real Madrid, they’ve got Lucas Vasquez and Nacho, who have both been at the club for over ten years. If you speak to any of their team-mates about what they think of them, they adore them. That’s why they’re still there.

“Teams need players like that and they are just as important as the superstars.”

READ MORE: ‘I wonder’ – Sky Sports reporter tells Liverpool they may struggle to get one particular transfer over the line

The London-born ace is a brilliant player on his day and we’re delighted to see him performing well at the moment.

He’s always willing to help the team out wherever needed and McManaman is right to praise the England international.

He’s played in each position of our backline so far this term and with both Tsimikas and Andy Robertson sidelined at the moment he’s our only senior option available who can operate at left back.

Gomez, who Jurgen Klopp has previously labelled as a ‘sensational footballer’ (via Liverpoolfc.com), is yet to score for the Reds but he’s been getting closer and closer in recent weeks with the full-back position seeing him enter dangerous areas further upfield.

It would be a brilliant start to 2024 if he could help us to a victory over Newcastle on New Years Day – let’s just wait and see!

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Jaylen Brown, referees thwart Mavericks' comeback as Celtics take 3-0 series lead
NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86
Tom Brady's HOF speech provided closure for the Bill Belichick era
Why Caitlin Clark reminds Steve Kerr 'a lot' of Stephen Curry
Fernando Tatis Jr. looks like he finally has his swagger back
Tiger Woods to have interesting swing consultant at U.S. Open
Insider names the team to watch for Mitch Marner trade
Blue Jackets star forward reportedly requests trade
Watch: Luka Doncic fouls out amid Mavericks' failed comeback attempt vs. Celtics
Matt Turner redeems himself as USMNT holds Brazil to 1-1 draw
Joey Chestnut, Takeru Kobayashi to face off in hot dog eating competition on Netflix
Yankees confirm news on top prospect
Colts' Anthony Richardson has unusual take on NFL's level of difficulty
49ers' Christian McCaffrey addresses legend of 'Madden' curse after landing cover
Lionel Messi reveals whether he'll retire with Inter Miami CF
Browns' Myles Garrett using one thing as motivation for 2024 season
Vikings HC makes telling comments about Sam Darnold, J.J. McCarthy competition
Aaron Judge is the reason for the Yankees' new-look away uniforms
England's Gareth Southgate has blunt take on expectations at Euros
Broncos star WR doesn't rule out training-camp holdout