Glenn Hoddle has raved about Liverpool central defender Nathaniel Phillips in The London Evening Standard.
The Tottenham Hotspur legend has been impressed by the performances of the 23-year-old Liverpool centre-back against his former club Spurs and West Ham United.
Hoddle has urged the youngster to show that he can do well on a consistent basis, and he has also praised Jordan Henderson for playing well in defence despite being a midfielder by trade.
The Englishman wrote in The London Evening Standard: “I like the young man, who came in at centre-back for Liverpool. He came on at half-time against Spurs and played really well. He then played against West Ham alongside Jordan Henderson, who I think has been outstanding.
“Some of the things he is doing. If Virgil van Dijk was doing it, people would be purring about it. He has played so well at the back, he has surprised me a lot. Jurgen Klopp will look at Nat Phillips’ performances against Tottenham and West Ham, and think this kid might suit a period of time and he might play him back-to-back.
“I am interested to see if Jurgen does that and how the boy responds. Can he get that consistency that all managers want? That is the test and I am hoping he can do it.”
More competition for Nathaniel Phillips
Phillips has done well for Liverpool when he has been called into action this season.
According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old has made four starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League for the Reds so far this season.
However, things are going to get tougher and more competitive for the youngster from now.
Liverpool signed two centre-backs on transfer deadline day. Ben Davies arrived from Preston North End, while Ozan Kabak made a loan move from Schalke.
Interestingly. The Athletic has claimed that during negotiations with Schalke, Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards warned the German club that the Premier League champions were prepared to walk away when the Bundesliga outfit tried to include an ‘obligation-to-buy’ clause.
Liverpool did need to bring in new centre-backs due to injury problems of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
