Liverpool FC – Jürgen Klopp raves about the development of Nat Phillips: “Comes right behind Lewandowski”

Nathaniel Phillips hardly ever plays at Liverpool FC. Nevertheless, coach Jürgen Klopp raves about the defender in the highest tones.

“People often ask me which player has made the greatest progress under my leadership and I say Robert Lewandowski (Klopp’s player at BVB, d. Red.)”, Klopp said at the press conference on Friday and added: “That’s probably true also, but right behind comes Nat Phillips. Just in a completely different area. “

Phillips, who joined Liverpool’s U23 from Bolton Wanderers in 2016, has “improved in just about everything” since he first saw him, praised Klopp. “And that even though he doesn’t play. Sometimes life isn’t fair and I can’t blame him. We can’t hold him forever, that’s clear. We needed him for this half year. Now we’ll see what the next one.” Transfer window happened. “

Phillips, awarded to VfB Stuttgart in the 2019/20 season, was at times a regular last season, as three central defenders were canceled at Liverpool with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. The 24-year-old Englishman was even in the starting line-up in both Champions League quarter-finals against Real Madrid.

Jürgen Klopp raves about Nat Phillips

Since the personnel situation has relaxed again this season, Phillips has only made three competitive appearances and has not yet played a minute in the Premier League. His contract with the Reds runs until 2025, but a change in winter could still come about.

Klopp continued his hymns of praise: “His development is absolutely amazing. […] People love him for his headers, but he’s amazing with his feet too. He’s a late bloomer, but his progress has been exceptional. I would sign him at any other club. “