According to reports coming out of Belgium, Roberto Martinez has been trying for ‘some time’ to convince Divock Origi to trade in his supersub role for more regular minutes away from Anfield.
It’s not much of a stretch to suggest that Gareth Southgate would have something similar to say if Joe Gomez asked the England boss if his lack of game-time at Liverpool was harming his own international prospects.
The Qatar World Cup is just 12 months away.
And Gomez, arguably England’s most naturally-talented centre-half, is hardly enjoying the ideal preparation, playing just over 10 minutes of Premier League football this season.
A recent injury hasn’t helped. But, even when Gomez was fully fit, the long-serving 24-year-old found himself stuck on the sidelines, watching on as Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip laid the foundations for another title challenge.
To make matters worse, reports suggest Liverpool are looking at bringing in another centre-half. Torino’s Gleison Bremer and Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo have been linked.
But if you thought Gomez was having a tough time, spare a thought for Nat Phillips. Not only has he failed to make a single Premier League appearance all season, he has been included in the matchday squad for just four of the last 15 games.
Is Nat Phillips leaving Liverpool in January?
“People often ask me which player made the biggest improvements under my leadership, and I say Robert Lewandowski,” Klopp told The Mirror earlier this week.
“That’s probably right, but not far off that is Nat Phillips. He improved in pretty much everything since, and he’s not playing. Life is sometimes not fair and I can’t blame him.
“His development is absolutely insane. People love him because of his heading but with his feet he is unbelievable. He’s a late starter, but his development is unbelievable.
“I would sign him for any club except Liverpool, because we have him.”
Klopp, ever the gentleman, added that he would not stand in Phillips’ way should the one-time Bolton youngster wish to depart.
“We cannot keep him forever, that’s clear,” Klopp said.
The Sun believes that West Ham United are weighing up a January bid. Phillips would certainly be welcome at the London Stadium, now that Kurt Zouma has joined Angelo Ogbonna on the treatment table.
This old-school, granite-carved, kick-his-granny-for-three-points sort of a centre-half is also on the radar of a Newcastle who have conceded more goals than anyone but Norwich City (Telegraph).
After getting the taste for regular first-team action last term, when Liverpool’s injury crisis struck, Phillips has been starved of opportunities of late.
To continue that particular metaphor, he will surely be ‘hungry’ to find out what offers are coming his way this winter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
