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Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

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Jurgen Klopp warned ‘incredible’ Liverpool player could soon be considering his future

Giuseppe Labellarte
Giuseppe Labellarte

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips could consider his Anfield future at the end of the season, according to Andros Townsend.

The 23-year-old began the season as a good prospect for the Reds but a crisis at centre-back has seen him thrust into the first-team squad.

To date, Phillips has made 12 competitive appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, 11 of which have come this season alone.

Liverpool FC v RB Leipzig - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg Two
(Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

He has been especially impressive in his last two outings, against RB Leipzig and Wolves, helping Liverpool keep clean sheets in both.

However, Townsend believes that, once the Reds’ first-choice centre-back return to fitness, Phillips could find himself considering his future if he’s to keep getting first-team football.

“I think it’s a bit premature,” the £13million Crystal Palace ace told .

“At the moment he’s in the team and playing well, I’m sure he’ll get a run of games between now and the end of the season.

“But when it comes to next season and all the defenders are back, and he’s had a taste of Premier League football, he doesn’t want to go back to the under-23’s or warming the bench.

“When everyone is back he’ll be asking serious questions of Jurgen Klopp and when he does fit in his long-term strategy.

“If there is no long term strategy then he’ll look to move on. If he does then he will bide his time even more, get a loan move and gain more experience.”

TBR View:

It’s not been the easiest of seasons for Liverpool, with so many injuries sidelining so many key stars.

This, however, means that players who may have previously struggled to get a chance are now doing so.

Phillips is one of those who’s shown what he’s capable of,with Klopp an “aerial monster” with “absolutely incredible” concentration.

However, when the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are back, then where would that leave the 23-year-old?

Once Liverpool get over the line and the team can regroup, Klopp will have to figure out ways to keep all his players happy.