Liverpool fans are all saying the same thing about ‘vital’ star after first half performance vs Crystal Palace

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Liverpool have made a raft of changes for their Carabao Cup fixture.The Reds are looking to bounce back from their weekend defeat by finally getting one over on Crystal Palace, with this the third time they have met already this season.Arne Slot decided to field a weakened side, with the bench being entirely made up of academy stars, something that is certainly a big risk.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. He has also made a lot of changes to his starting XI, with fringe players getting a chance to prove why they should be in the team more often.One star in particular has shown promising signs early in the first half, with fans having a lot to say about his performance.Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesLiverpool fans love Joe Gomez’s performance Liverpool’s defence has been a major issue so far this season, with the Reds conceding far too many goals.However, the changes made to the team have seen an improvement at the back so far, with Joe Gomez a key reason for this.The Englishman has started the game well and fans believe that he might be playing his way into the team.One supporter wrote on X: “Gomez looking lively!” while another simply added: “Joe Gomez looks really good”A third fan believes he has looked better than Ibrahima Konate already, writing: “Gomez has looked more secure in 9 minutes than Konate has looked all season.”READ MORE: Liverpool’s feeling towards Marc Guehi remain clear as alternative January plan emergesGomez has looked more secure in 9 minutes than Konate has looked all season.Our front three look fluid compared to our starters.Magic of the cup, eh— MerseysideFischer (@MerseysideFschr) October 29, 2025 View Tweet A fourth fan thinks he should partner Virgil van Dijk again saying: “Joe Gomez has looked solid so far, if he can keep fit he needs to pair up with Virgil some games.”A fifth added: “Joe Gomez could be the solution to the team!” with a sixth writing: “There’s something about Joe Gomez.

I always feel safe when he’s playing.”A seventh put: “I want Joe Gomez in the first team. See this intensity and seriousness,” with a final fan saying: “People forget, Joe Gomez has arguably been the best partner for Virgil van Dijk.”People forgetJoe Gomez has arguably been the best partner for Virgil van Dijk#LFC— Joe (@LFC_PhD) October 29, 2025 View Tweet Liverpool need Joe Gomez to stay fitThere has never been any doubting Gomez’s quality, the only problem has been his injury record.But with the situation Liverpool are in now, and the lack of options they have at the back, having him available is essential.

His start to the Palace game has also been very encouraging to say the least, with this exactly what fans will want to see.Gomez could become a ‘vital’ player to Slot as the season progresses, so outings like this will not do his future chances any harm whatsoever.