Joe Gomez shows true colors as Liverpool transfer decision pays off for Arne Slot

Joe Gomez said that Liverpool 'means everything to me' after producing a brilliant performance off the bench in the Reds' 2-1 win over Brighton.

Gomez was called upon after Ibrahima Konate was forced off after landing awkwardly towards the end of the first half, and the 27-year-old repaid Arne Slot's faith in him with a flawless display alongside Virgil van Dijk.

The Liverpool fans inside Anfield serenaded Gomez during the second half, and the defender was asked by club media after the match how it felt to hear his name ring out around the stadium. “It’s always special," Gomez said. "Obviously this is home for me and the club means everything to me. But the most important thing, it’s cliche, but we got the win and we keep the momentum heading into a big game in the Champions League.”

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The display will have felt particularly sweet for Gomez considering the situation he found himself in over the summer. For a long time it looked as though Gomez's nine-year stay at Anfield would come to an end, with Newcastle the club that came closest to signing him, but a move did not materialize and he will mark a decade with the Reds next July.

This season hasn't been a particularly happy one so far for Gomez, though, with Slot restricting the former Charlton man to two starts in the EFL Cup and a handful of substitute appearances in the Premier League and Champions League.

However, Gomez could now be set for an extended run in the team depending on the seriousness of Konate's injury, and Slot let it be known how impressed he was with Liverpool's No.2 after coming on against Brighton.

Explaining his decision to bring Gomez on ahead of youngster Jarell Quansah, Slot said: “I chose Joe today because Jarell was really tired, and he proved I was right because he was outstanding in the second half. He had a very good performance without the ball. He constantly stepped into midfield to win the ball, winning the duels, and when he had to defend he did very well. He had a very good second half.”