Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has raved about central defenders Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips on the club’s official website.
Klopp was impressed by the performances of the two Liverpool academy graduates during the Reds’ win against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Thursday evening.
The German has said that the 24-year-old and the 20-year-old centre-backs were brilliant in defence, and has raved about how they maintained their concentration.
Klopp told Liverpool’s official website: “The concentration level they showed [on Thursday] night again is immense, absolutely insane what they did there. Against this front four of United it’s not easy.
“But it was really well supported, I have to say, by our two full-backs. They were really leading the line last night, a lot of talks. Rhys is a natural talker on the pitch, which helps as well. So I liked how we organised the last line, that was really good.”
Phillips and Williams were brilliant against United, and despite conceding twice, they came out of the game with credit.
It is not easy to play against United at Old Trafford, even without fans, and both Phillips and Williams showed that they can handle the occasion.
True, 24-year-old Phillips should have done better for the first goal that Liverpool conceded, but he was also instrumental in the equaliser.
It is going to be interesting to see what happens with Williams and Phillips next season.
Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all will be back from injury, and there will more competition for places in the Liverpool starting lineup.
Phillips is 24 now and does not fall into the category of ‘young player’ anymore.
The English central defender needs to play regularly to progress and have a successful career.
As for Williams, he is only 20 and has time on his hands.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
