Pundit picks out weakness in Liverpool full-back.
Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne in action with Sevilla’s Sergio Escudero
Former Premier League striker Dean Ashton has told TalkSPORT that he regards Liverpool and England defender Nathaniel Clyne as a potentially weak link.
Speaking to the station at 9pm on Wednesday evening, Ashton said that he would enjoy playing against the full-back.
West Ham United’s Dean Ashton in action against Blackburn Rovers’ Steven Reid (R)
Ashton said: “I’d love to stick myself at the back post up against Clyne.
“He has not got the physicality or nous to make adjustment when needed.”
Ashton added that he felt Kyle Walker was the better pick at right-back over Clyne this summer for England.
Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne in action with Villarreal’s Denis Suarez
Ashton won one England cap and suffered a serious ankle injury while on duty, and was ultimately forced to retire as a result aged just 26.
Aerial ability was not among Clyne’s strongest aspects of his game this past season, winning substantially fewer duels than England teammate Kyle Walker.
| Team | Aerial Duels Won | Appearances | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Walker | Tottenham | 52 | 33 |
| Nathaniel Clyne | Liverpool | 11 | 33 |
Clyne signed for Liverpool on a free transfer from Southampton last summer and was one of their better defenders over the course of the campaign, winning the trust of new boss Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Nathaniel Clyne at the end of the game
Ashton’s comments do highlight an element of his game where he needs to improve, and if the ex-pro has identified it as a way to target him, it is likely current players and coaches will have noticed it too.
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