Nat Baresi

[RedStar]

That rationale is very similar to where I'm coming from, mate... I clearly stated that, on his best day, DL is the better footballer. But those days were few and far between, and I always expected a howler out of him. I don't with NP. I expect limited but sensible and usually sound defending from him. Hence, as a 4th choice, I'm going with him.

I think thats slightly unfair on Lovren to suggest his good games were few and far between. We bought him because he was one of the best defenders in the league at the time. Hes a popular punching bag because so obviously a massive that who loves himself and has no self awareness, but Phillips is not at his level, or even close to it he will probably be Championship football next season.

 

[Whaddapie]

I think thats slightly unfair on Lovren to suggest his good games were few and far between. We bought him because he was one of the best defenders in the league at the time. Hes a popular punching bag because so obviously a massive that who loves himself and has no self awareness, but Phillips is not at his level, or even close to it he will probably be Championship football next season.

I disagree, mate. Can count on one hand the games that I remember him making a positive influence in. And was always expecting the next fuck up. Always. Yes, he played really well for Southampton before we got him, but he was a huge disappointment for us.

Like I've said a few times now, I'm not basing this on talent - I'm basing it on seeing him for years, and knowing what to expect... Very occasional brilliance, but more often than not, mistakes and head-scratching performances. Nat has a far lower up-side, but a far higher average, and I'll take that instead.

 

[RedStar]

Hes also got a lot less of a sample size to judge as hes only played about 5 games, watch the replay of him jogging slowly after Calvert Lewis last week like an old man trying to catch his bus, if that was Lovren he'd be getting murdered

 

[Whaddapie]

Hes also got a lot less of a sample size to judge as hes only played about 5 games, watch the replay of him jogging slowly after Calvert Lewis last week like an old man trying to catch his bus, if that was Lovren he'd be getting murdered

Slowly jogging... Yes. That's EXACTLY what he was doing. Because Lovren was a speed demon, was he? I've outlined my reasons, you don't agree... Fair enough. life goes on.

 

[My_Blood_Bleeds_Red]

Honestly though, I’d choose Lovren over Nat. Without a doubt. No brainer imo. You don’t make someone captain because they’re active on IG and is a clown in the dressing room. Plus he’s got loads of experience which Nat hasn’t got.

In fact I’d go as far to say that we’d have more points now if we hadn’t sold Lovren. There.

 

[Modo]

Obviously Lovren is or was a lot better than Philips and it's quite clear to see that Klopp doesn't even rate Philips.
I also think Lovren's passing was a bit underrated, not Van Dijk-esque, but close.

 

[Frogfish]

BTW this was the first game where our green kit kind of grew on me... I started thinking maybe it’s not so awful and maybe even somewhat cool.

I love it. Though I wouldn't call it green. Turquoise or aqua perhaps.

 

[Rosco]

Honestly though, I’d choose Lovren over Nat. Without a doubt. No brainer imo. You don’t make someone captain because they’re active on IG and is a clown in the dressing room. Plus he’s got loads of experience which Nat hasn’t got.

In fact I’d go as far to say that we’d have more points now if we hadn’t sold Lovren. There.

 

[My_Blood_Bleeds_Red]

Noob keeper.

 

[TheRedCrusade]

BTW this was the first game where our green kit kind of grew on me... I started thinking maybe it’s not so awful and maybe even somewhat cool.

ohhh my lady loved this kit. She said, players are looking so smart and sharp in these kits. I might get a surprise soon, let's see !

 

[King Binny]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...-admits-looked-like-way-Liverpool-summer.html

[article]Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips has reflected on how his 'disappointment' at staying with the Reds transformed in bizarre circumstances.

The powerful defender thought he had no chance of making Jurgen Klopp's first team when a potential loan move to the Championship was blocked last summer.

But the alarming injury crisis at Anfield, which has sidelined Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Fabinho and now Jordan Henderson, meant Phillips was thrust into the limelight.

The 23-year-old told Sky Sports: 'At the end of pre-season, it looked like I was on my way out and going elsewhere to get some games and start my career, and carry on off the back of my loan spell (at Stuttgart) last season.

'Initially, when it first happened, everybody was fit, and it didn't look like there would be any scenario where I would be playing for Liverpool's first team this year.

'I was a bit disappointed because I was looking forward to going and playing football and just kick-starting my career, but obviously things changed, and I don't think anybody could have seen what was coming, and it was like a typical example of how bizarre football can be sometimes.

'I think it was within a month I was making my debut.'

Phillips has played in seven Premier League games this season since making his debut against West Ham in a 2-1 win back in October.

The academy graduate has been seeking advice from Van Dijk, who continues to work his way back from the cruciate ligament injury inflicted by Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby.

He said: 'Virg has been a big help when he's been in and around the dressing room on gamedays.

'He will give advice for certain situations that are happening in the game and how we might be able to alter things to improve those situations in our favour, but I would say everybody in general has been a massive help, from the manager and the coaching staff, to the players, who are always talking to me throughout the games.

'Especially in my first few games, they were helping me through those, but as I've played more games and gained a bit more trust, I think the players haven't had to look after me as much because they feel like I'm capable of producing.

'From the start, everybody wanted to help me out, and they did that.'

The next challenge for Phillips and Liverpool is a massive clash with Chelsea on Thursday with both sides looking to dent the top-four aspirations of each other. [/article]

 

[HC]

Mind-blowing that VVD has been heading into the Changing room at Pre and during the match to teach them how to defend.

 

[keniget]

I get the need to champion the little guy and give players these virtual pats on the head - he's done really well and we're lucky he's still here given the alternatives yada yada yada - but if he's playing anything approaching regular game time for us next season someone needs shooting. If he wants to stick around to play the odd cup game - which he shouldn't do - meh.

 

[Rosco]

Mind-blowing that VVD has been heading into the Changing room at Pre and during the match to teach them how to defend.

Because of Covid protocols ?

 

[King Binny]

 

[Shadey]

Outstanding champions league debut, no doubt get a contract from the club.

 

[rurikbird]

Does this mean Phillips will keep his place alongside Kabak? Klopp also said that “everyone” (presumably the coaching staff and the player himself) wants Fabinho to play at #6.

 

[Stevesquash]

Does this mean Phillips will keep his place alongside Kabak? Klopp also said that “everyone” (presumably the coaching staff and the player himself) wants Fabinho to play at #6.

I imagine so.

 

[Buddha]

He’s proving game by game that’s he’s probably the best 4th choice Cb around going forward.

The archetypal Mr Dependable.

 

[SummerOnions]

 

[King Binny]

Yippeee 😀

 

[tomasjj]

Thought both him and Kabak looked solid last night.
A bit Hyypia and Henchoz split roles.

 

[RedStar]

He’s proving game by game that’s he’s probably the best 4th choice Cb around going forward.

The archetypal Mr Dependable.

Is he ahead of Kabak in the pecking order now? Hard to gage. Thought they both did well tonight, hopefully that's the start of a settled back 4 run of games

 

[Hansern]

Have to say he impressed me last night. Big stage, CL game and a lot on the line. But he was calm and showed what a fighter he is, and I was pleasantly surprised with his passing.

Has earned the right to start next to Kabak, which probably is our best chance of winning games going forward and having Fabinho in midfield.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Have to say he impressed me last night. Big stage, CL game and a lot on the line. But he was calm and showed what a fighter he is, and I was pleasantly surprised with his passing.

Has earned the right to start next to Kabak, which probably is our best chance of winning games going forward and having Fabinho in midfield.

We won the CL with Traore and Dudek.
We can win it with Kabak and Phillips 100%

 

[mark1975]

I really like Phillips, he's no nonsense, but he also has a commanding and assured presence. Kabak has been good for a few games now. By and large it's not really our inexperienced defenders who have let us down, aside from the horror show against City, which was more on Alisson falling apart.

 

[mark1975]

And Hansern is right, we have to stick with it now for the rest of the season. Chopping and changing isn't helping anyone (I know alot of it has been forced), see how they go and who knows, they might prove themselves worthy of keeping their places here next season.

 

[mark1975]

Kabak has looked alot sharper both in his concentration and reading the game, of late. When he came in he was all over the place positionally and he just wasn't reading anything punted over the top, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, that it was simply down to a new system, a high line and the learning process.

 

[dmishra]

Kabak has looked alot sharper both in his concentration and reading the game, of late. When he came in he was all over the place positionally and he just wasn't reading anything punted over the top, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, that it was simply down to a new system, a high line and the learning process.

He's also only 20, which is easy to forget. CB is a position where experience counts more than in any other position.

 

[Pesam]

When everyone is fit (VVD, Gomez, Matip) etc Klopp likes to play a high line (although hopefully never again as high a line as against Villa) and he relies on the pace of AA, Robbo, VVD and Gomez to rescue the odd situation if a team evades our midfield and springs our offside line. I don't think Phillips has the pace for this role and therefore I think he's in a tricky situation. He's proved he's good enough for the Premier League and his attitude is fucking awesome however maybe it's in his best interest to move. He would be ideal for a team who like strong, dependable CB's and who defend deep...........like Burnley, Brighton, Palace etc. If his contract really is until 2024 then we should be looking for £20m+ for him.