Jurgen Klopp told his post-match press conference that Nat Phillips had a ‘super game’ for Liverpool during their Merseyside derby defeat on Saturday.
Phillips didn’t initially start the game, but once again, Liverpool suffered an injury at centre-back, which paved the way for the academy product to join the Merseyside showdown.
Jordan Henderson was the one joining Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho in the treatment room.
With Liverpool losing 1-0, Phillips came on for his captain after 30 minutes, and this is what Klopp had to say about the 23-year-old’s performance.
“We have options for the next game,” said Klopp. “How difficult it makes it? It makes it really difficult.
“For example, tonight Nat (Phillips) wasn’t for one second our problem. Even when Hendo was at the beginning of the game really dominant, especially offensively.
“It’s a massive blow losing Henderson again. But Nat played a super game. We are unfortunately used to it that we have to change things. We just try to set up again for the next game, as long as we have eleven players, we will do that.”
Phillips may now find himself starting Liverpool’s forthcoming matches, including games against Sheffield United, Chelsea, Fulham and their second leg Champion League tie against RB Leipzig.
Henderson’s injury looked muscle related, so those at Anfield will be hoping it’s not too serious.
Either way, the Premier League champions, after the dream campaign in 2019/20, are heading towards nothing but a nightmare this time around..
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