Hull City midfielder has been a revelation in defence.
Hull City’s Jake Livermore (R) in action with Swansea City’s Wayne Routledge and Fernando Llorente
Jake Livermore has excelled early on this season at Hull City in an unusual centre-back role, with the 26-year-old helping the club to two surprise wins out of two.
The midfielder’s performances in defence saw the Hull Daily Mail compare him to former England international Des Walker, but Livermore’s success has not come as a surprise to everybody.
Hull City’s Jake Livermore blocks a shot from Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told The Mail that former Spurs coach and manager Tim Sherwood predicted during his time at the club that Livermore could be a success as a centre-half.
He said: “When Livermore was at Spurs, Tim Sherwood said he would make a good centre back. He has the attributes to succeed in this position. He’s quick, strong, reads the game well and is good on the ball.
“My advice to him would be to stay there. Good centre backs are hard to find and there’s no reason why he can’t be a very good one.”
Tim Sherwood
Livermore has had a mixed time on and off the pitch since leaving Tottenham, where he was once highly regarded as a prospect, and won one senior cap for England.
Whether his stint at centre-back will be long lasting, this season or long term, is unclear but it certainly gives Hull City manager Mike Phelan a useful option, with the squad stretched due to injuries and struggles to add players in the transfer market.
Hull City caretaker manager Mike Phelan
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