Joe Gomez has talked up Liverpool’s chances of going far in this season’s Champions League, declaring “we believe we can beat anyone”.
It was a memorable night for the Reds on Wednesday, as they cruised into the knockout stage in stunning fashion.
Jurgen Klopp‘s men destroyed Spartak Moscow 7-0 at Anfield, with captain Philippe Coutinho‘s early penalty settling any nerves and starting off a highly productive evening in front of goal.
It is the first time Liverpool have made it to the last 16 since 2008/09, and a two-legged tie against either Basel, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Porto or Real Madrid awaits.
Gomez produced another strong showing at right-back against Spartak, and he fully believes the Reds are capable of defeating anyone in Europe this season.
“There are some big teams in there like Real, but we will be ready for them,” Gomez told the Liverpool Echo.
“We believe we can beat anyone and we have to have that mentality. We have great quality and they can be scared of us the same way we can be wary of them so that’s good.”
Although celebrating such a positive result is understandable, Gomez is already looking ahead to Sunday’s 229th Merseyside derby at home to Everton.
The 20-year-old says he and his teammates must be prepared for a potentially tough game, with Liverpool’s local rivals set to be revved-up for the occasion.
“To get a result like that is obviously a big plus for us and it was nice not to give anything away defensively,” he added.
“Now there’s a massive, massive derby against a team with a new manager. I think they will probably be fired up and motivated.
“We have our threats but it is key we are not over-confident and we have to stay composed.
“I think we have seen some teams come to Anfield and sit off but I don’t think they’ll come too defensive-minded as they will be fired up and want to attack us.
“A lot of our clean sheets have come at home and that is a positive for us. We want people to come here and for it to be difficult for them to score. Hopefully we can carry on our run.”
It is refreshing to hear Gomez speak with so much maturity, and not sound as if he is taking Everton too lightly this weekend.
Many are predicting an easy victory for Liverpool, but Sam Allardyce will have the visitors well-drilled, and it may be a tougher 90 minutes than expected.
If Klopp’s side click, though, it is hard to see Everton, or anyone for that matter, stopping them right now.
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