Liverpool legend John Barnes has described the club’s talented centre-back Joe Gomez as one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Gomez has made an impressive start to the season, forging a partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of a Liverpool defence which has conceded only five league goals in its opening 12 games.

He has long been admired by the England manager Gareth Southgate and looked set to be included in the World Cup squad before injury scuppered his hopes. However, the 21-year-old has been a regular in the Nations League and started England’s dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia on Sunday in Harry Maguire’s absence.

England vs Croatia player ratings Show all 14 1 /14 England vs Croatia player ratings England vs Croatia player ratings Jordan Pickford 6 - Croatia didn’t test Pickford on many occasions, though the goalkeeper was fortunate that Rebic failed to capitalise on an early error. Fine otherwise. AP England vs Croatia player ratings Kyle Walker 6 - Combined well with Raheem Sterling down the right, being allowed to get forward often. Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Joe Gomez 7 - Walker’s forward freedom often left Gomez a little isolated, but the Liverpool defender responded brilliantly, coping with Ivan Perisic impressively. An emerging force, and his range of passing is strong. REUTERS England vs Croatia player ratings John Stones 6 - Not as eye-catching or involved as his centre-back partner, but still managed to play a number of good passes. REUTERS England vs Croatia player ratings Ben Chilwell 7 - Another accomplished showing. His delivery into the box was hit-and-miss, but his ball for the winner was excellent. Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Eric Dier 6 - A positive performance from Dier, who slipped between Stones and Gomez when in possession and played similarly potent diagonals. One error at 1-0 that could have cost England, but did his job effectively. AFP/Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Fabian Delph 8 - Gave the midfield balance as a left-footed, left-sided player, and combined nicely with Rashford in the second half. AFP/Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Ross Barkley 6 - Growing into his role in this England team. Worked hard, used the ball nicely and kept the team ticking. Action Images via Reuters England vs Croatia player ratings Marcus Rashford 7 - If Sterling was the player of the first half, Rashford was the player of the second. Though substituted before both goals, he tormented Tin Jedvaj and the rest of Croatia’s right-side, producing several magnificent forward surges. AFP/Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Raheem Sterling 7 - Outstanding in the first half, a constant menace in behind and combining well with Kane. Faded as the game wore on, but still looked a threat with his pace. EPA England vs Croatia player ratings Harry Kane 8 - A goal and an assist from the captain to mark a strong all-round performance. Worried the Croatian defence throughout, and will be glad to break his goalscoring drought. EPA England vs Croatia player ratings Dele Alli 6 - Alli was on the longest of the England substitutes but might have been the quietest of the trio to come on. Gave England another body to throw forward. Getty Images England vs Croatia player ratings Jadon Sancho 6 - A couple more glimpses of his considerable talent in an enterprising 20 minute cameo. Action Images via Reuters England vs Croatia player ratings Jesse Lingard 7 - Lingard helped spark England’s comeback and popped up at the right time to score the simplest of tap-ins and equalise. AFP/Getty Images

“One of the most underrated players in the Premier League,” said Barnes of the young Gomez. “He’s learning from one of the best defenders in the world and keeps improving, game after game.

“If England play a back five then he absolutely should be starting for me. [Harry] Maguire and [John] Stones just about pip him for an automatic place in a four-man defence.”

Barnes, who made 314 league appearances for Liverpool and earned 79 England caps, believes the success of Jurgen Klopp’s new-look defensive unit is a key reason for their fast start to the season, which has seen them go unbeaten in the Premier League with a 30-point haul.

Gareth Southgate congratulates Gomez after the final whistle (Getty)

“The main difference for Liverpool has been defensively, Virgil van Djik coming in last year has massively helped the defence. [Aymeric] Laporte and Stones have had great seasons, but for me Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the Premier League. He’s the reason why Liverpool are keeping up with Manchester City this season.

“The keeper coming in has given everyone a real confidence boost. It’s been interesting to see the fans being more reassured and measured with this keeper, last season people would hold their breath at corners. But there is a confidence this year.

“There’s a better balance to the team than last season. Yes, they’re not steamrollering teams in the same way, but they’re winning games 1-0 and that’s down to the defensive signings they made in the summer.”

Next up for Liverpool is a trip to seventh-place Watford on Saturday, and Barnes warned that the Hornets present a stiff test – even if he is not entirely persuaded by the hype.

“In spite of the perceived success of the Watford team this season, there is no real difference with Watford this year compared to last year, they always start well and consistently before Christmas. It’s after the Christmas break where they traditionally struggle.

“There is more stability this year, I like the manager and think he brings a good balance to the team. They should be aiming for a top ten finish as a minimum – although I don’t think they’re good enough for European football.”