Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on Nat Phillips, a player he claims has improved as much as anyone he's ever coached - even Robert Lewandowski.
Phillips played a major role for Liverpool last term as injuries struck the club's defence, but has hardly featured at all this season.
Klopp has admitted Phillips does not deserve that fate and hinted he could leave the club in the January transfer window.
"I have to mention Nat Phillips," Klopp said. "People often ask me which player made the biggest improvements under my leadership, and I say Robert Lewandowski.
"That’s probably right, but not far off that is Nat Phillips, just in a completely different department.
"I remember when I saw Nat Phillips first. I spoke to him after the game and he’s one of the smartest players I ever worked with. I told him, ‘You know you are not the easiest on the eye, eh?’
"He improved in pretty much everything since, and he’s not playing. Life is sometimes not fair and I can’t blame him.
"We cannot keep him forever, that’s clear. We needed him, just to be safe, for that half-year. We will see what happens in the window. He was fine doing it because he’s a great guy.
"His development is absolutely insane. You saw it last year, you would have said ‘Nat Phillips, oh my god, he plays in the last line?’
"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."
Phillips came through Liverpool's academy and spent the 2019-20 season on loan with Stuttgart in 2. Bundesliga.
He wasn't expected to feature much for Liverpool last term, but injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and others forced him into a prominent role.
Phillips impressed for Liverpool last season while making 20 appearances in all competitions, but the return to health of many key defenders, plus the signing of Ibrahima Konate, has seen him reduced to just three appearances in 2021-22.
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield, with several Premier League clubs reported to be keen on his services.
Fazadlmor
1
Nathaniel Philips is one of the best improved players under Urgen Klopp behind lewandowski that's why he is bench proof.[do
Cebabceosz
3
keep nat our baresi and sell Gomez.. he is injured far too many times
Chrismaris1
0
It’s time you start using him too not just praising him…. This lad should be ahead of Gomez
exactly. not playing him with Gomez or new defender...play him with matip or vvd
Chrismaris1
1
don't sell him please
Chrismaris1
4
partner Philip and VVD, When Matip is not available. I still believe in Philips over the new defender we signed for now because he is still settling in... Philip is a great defender. and goes all out to challenge any ball... with VVD he can also learn to keep a player offside.
vjIndia
4
Plz don't sell philips
Badhur
4
Give him some play time He is a scouser He must st remain at Anfield He is our future
sopceiprt
4
liverpool
Dinhostone
4
It’s time you start using him too not just praising him…. This lad should be ahead of Gomez