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Liverpool fans will love what Nat Phillips said after full-time whistle

Will Butcher

Thu 20 May 2021 7:45, UK

Nat Phillips produced a sparkling display for Liverpool on Wednesday evening as Jurgen Klopp’s side took a huge step towards Champions League qualification – and Reds fans will love what he said immediately after the match.

Phillips, 23, continues to stake a claim for a bigger role at Liverpool when Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez return from injury after starting 10 of Liverpool’s last 13 Premier League games. The latest, an away trip to Burnley.

The defender, who returned to his home county of Lancashire to face Sean Dyche’s side, was in excellent form. He scored his first goal for The Reds with a top header as Liverpool went on to win 3-0 – Phillips getting the second.

But Phillips was just as effective at the other end, clearing an effort from Burnley off the line when the shot looked destined for the net. He was asked if he preferred his goal or goalline clearance, and fans will love what he said.

“The one that I cleared off the line,” . “Yeah, that’s my job, to stop the ball going in the net. If I can score goals, happy days, that’s a bonus. But it’s my job to keep a clean sheet.”

TBR’s view – Phillips deserves to be considered first reserve

With Gomes and van Dijk returning, Phillips will be forced to drop out of the starting line-up. But before the start of the season, the Bolton-born defender was very much a reserve player – expecting to play for the Under-23’s.

However, he is growing in terms of consistency and maturity at the back and his performance against Burnley was a sign that he is getting better and better. Joel Matip, Ben Davies, Ozan Kabak and Rhys Williams are other options.

But with Gomez and van Dijk first choice, surely Phillips has done enough to convince Jurgen Klopp that he should be the first one that replaces either of the top two – ahead of the likes of Matip?