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News
Micah Richards says “excellent” Liverpool star reads the game so well
Micah Richards was left raving about Liverpool’s Nat Phillips after his latest performance.
Phillips impressed in the heart of the Reds defence during Wednesday’s 3-0 Premier League victory away to Burnley.
The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side sit fourth in the table going into the final game of the season, and have a four-goal margin on goal difference above fifth-placed Leicester City despite being locked together on points.
A superb four-game winning streak has seen Liverpool rise into the top four, but they need to finish the job on the final day at home to Crystal Palace to secure Champions League qualification.
Sky Sports pundit Richards singled out centre-back Phillips after his midweek contribution against Burnley, highlighting his reading of the game as really impressive.
“I thought he was excellent tonight… I thought he had an excellent [game], not just because he scored, but his all-around performance. He read the game really well and did the simple thing,” (10:08pm, 19 May).
TBR’s View:
Phillips isn’t blessed with blistering pace like some of the modern day centre-backs, but he’s been a top performer for Liverpool this year when he’s played during an injury crisis.
The 24-year-old is a man mountain at the back with his aggression, physicality and leadership.
But the way he reads the game shows how intelligent he is as a defender.
Liverpool are expected to welcome back the big hitters at centre-half next season, but Phillips has definitely shown he’s good enough to be part of the squad if Klopp decides to keep him.