Liverpool’s Nathaniel Clyne reflects on how Jurgen Klopp has transformed his game

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The modern-day full-back is far removed from the defensively-minded, tough-tacklers of yesteryear – unless you play for West Brom of course.

Liverpool defender Nathanial Clyne says Jurgen Klopp’s buccaneering blueprint has totally transformed his game, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Full-backs have long been an established part of Klopp’s gameplan, with his wide midfielders drifting inside to link up with the forward players, allowing the likes of Clyne to bomb on down the outside and stretch opposition backlines.

Lukas Piszczek and Marcel Schmelzer evolved into one of Europe’s most dangerous full-back partnerships under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, while the former Southampton star has created 17 chances for his Liverpool team-mates this season.

And the 25-year-old has credited his manager for giving him the freedom to prove himself in an attacking sense and establishing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous full-backs.

“Klopp is more demanding of me to get forward and help out in attack,” Clyne said in quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo.

“He likes his full-backs to join in with play whenever they can and also be solid defensively, so it helps my game.

“It has changed. When I first started the game, it was more about defending – coming up against your winger and trying to stop him, and being close to your centre-back. Nowadays, it has changed, it is more demanding for a full-back.

“They want you to get up and down the line very quickly and also help out in attack, almost becoming wingers really.

“Nowadays, wingers are coming inside and want to play more inside. It gives licence to the full-back to have the whole line.”

Furthermore, with the experienced James Milner filling in at left-back due to the haphazard form of the attack-minded Alberto Moreno, Liverpool have enjoyed a greater balance to their forward play this season although Clyne’s form has understandably gone under-the-radar due to the excellence of Philippe Coutinho and co.

However, The Reds’ defensive Achilles heel threatens to scupper their dreams of a first ever Premier League title, with Klopp’s instruction for full-backs to get forward contributing as much to their defensive shortcomings as it does to their attacking threat.