In a recent report, The Sun has claimed that Liverpool are willing to cash in on Nathaniel Phillips if a major offer comes in for him this summer. It is understood that the Reds centre-back is unlikely to be a first-team starter at Anfield next season which is why he could be sold during this summer transfer period (via The Sun).
Phillips’ Impressive Season At Merseyside
Phillips has unexpectedly gotten a lot of game time at Merseyside due to Jurgen Klopp’s growing injury crisis in defence this season. He has managed to give a good account of himself for Liverpool in this calendar year by putting in a series of dominant displays at the heart of their backline.
The 24-year-old has made 19 senior appearances for the Merseyside giants this term, netting one goal and securing one assist in multiple competitions. More importantly, he has caught the eye on the defensive end of the field as he is averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.7 clearances per game in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League this season. Phillips has even been tidy when distributing the ball out from the back after making 84.5% of his attempted passes in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
The Bolton-born talent is a player on the rise and will only get better when he hits his peak over the next few years. However, Klopp has already got Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ahead of Phillips in his Anfield pecking order. Plus, the Reds are in pole position to land Ibrahima Konate from Red Bull Leipzig, which could spell the end of the English defender’s time at the northwest of England.
Liverpool Willing To Cash In On Phillips: Is Klopp Making The Right Call?
Phillips can use his strong 1.90m frame to dominate the opposition and win some important aerial duels for his side. He is also a decent tackler of the ball and can read the danger quickly to make a crucial interception at the back.
At 24, the English defensive ace is not afraid to clear the danger when required, making him such a solid centre-back for Liverpool. Plus, he can pass the ball with conviction out from the back but is prone to making errors every now and then.
Phillips is more than capable of filling in as Klopp’s fourth-choice central defender next season. However, the arrival of a fresh face in defence this summer could make it difficult for him to get any playing time at Anfield. Hence, it makes sense for the Reds to cash in on him if they receive a fair offer for him in this off-season.
It is only fair to Phillips for all his good contributions this season that Liverpool sell him so that he can make himself a regular starter at the highest level. All in all, Klopp seems to have made the right call if he decides to let the English centre-back leave this summer.
