Liverpool defender Rhys Williams has told the club’s official website that Nathaniel Phillips was coaching him against Southampton.
Jurgen Klopp’s side got the better of Southampton 2-0 at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday evening to enhance their chances of finishing in the top four.
Williams and Phillips were the two central defenders for the game, and although Liverpool’s performance at the back was far from imperious, they did manage to keep a clean sheet.
The 20-year-old defender is just starting his career, and he has said that Phillips, 24, was coaching him during the game.
Williams told the club’s official website about Phillips: “Nat’s a top defender. He’s got bags of potential and he coached me through the game for some of it, so I’m really happy I could play with him.”
What a player!
Phillips is just starting his career at Liverpool and got his chance only due to injuries to Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
The 24-year-old may not even be in the team next season when all the ‘senior’ defenders are back.
However, Williams’s comments show just much he has improved this season, and that he is already a leader.
Phillips has made 11 starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League and played thrice in the Champions League for Liverpool this season.
Even after so few matches, the Englishman has become a leader and has understood the game so much.
Phillips is an asset for Liverpool, and it would make sense for manager Klopp to keep him in the squad next season and beyond.
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