Nathaniel Phillips

[Supremolad 187]

At 23 years old, he really should be the one pushing to step up as a center back option in van Dijk's absence.

 

Here's hoping he turns out to be Baresi and Maldini rolled in one. Alternatively, we'll settle for him being a taller version of the legend called Ragnar Klavan.

[ZonkoVille77 5,628]

Will the real Nat Phillips please stand up. 

[an tha 6,323]

I reckon it is fair to say that at closer to 24 than he is 23 with about 20 career first team starts to his name (most of them in the 2nd tier of German football) that he isn't much cop.

 

Was he even picked for Ingerlund at the various younger age groups?

[dave u 6,145]

He's a Championship level player, but at least he's physically developed and can play a man's game. He's also much more experienced than Koumetio, Williams and Van den Berg.

 

I'd trust him far more than the other three, as experience is vital in that position as he has more than all of the others. Wouldn't want him playing against any quick, skilful forwards but he'd be fine against some of the long ball teams we face in the league. 

[Bob Spunkmouse 2,392]

5 minutes ago, dave u said:

He's a Championship level player, but at least he's physically developed and can play a man's game. He's also much more experienced than Koumetio, Williams and Van den Berg.

 

I'd trust him far more than the other three, as experience is vital in that position as he has more than all of the others. Wouldn't want him playing against any quick, skilful forwards but he'd be fine against some of the long ball teams we face in the league. 

That feels about right from what I’ve seen of him over the last few pre-seasons, but I’d also say I’d far rather see Fabinho at the back and let Hendo play his role if Thiago isn’t right to go.

 

Theres no way Nat Phillips is good enough for us long term, and I liked Williams in preseason and the league cup match, but that was alongside Virgil who makes others play better and talks them through a game in a way Gomez can’t at this stage of his career.

[dave u 6,145]

Of course, I'm only talking about him playing if it's absolutely necessary. Gomez, Matip and Fabinho will hopefully carry the load but if and when someone else is needed, Phillips is who I'd go for.

 

Williams did do very well but like you, I think you have to take into account that he had Virg there with him for most of that time.

[Supremolad 187]

There were quotes from Klopp earlier in the year about him being impressed with Phillips' performances on Bundesliga 2. Could have just been mere words though.

 

It seems he isn't very highly rated because we were looking to loan him out again but couldn't sort out any deals with Championship clubs. Thankfully for him, he's been kept on. Hopefully he takes his chance when it comes and it turns out to be one of Klopp's many unlikely success stories.

[an tha 6,323]

I'd say it is odds on that when Gomez and Matip are both unavailable that Henderson will end up at centre half before this lad does.

[aws 6,897]

56 minutes ago, dave u said:

He's a Championship level player, but at least he's physically developed and can play a man's game. He's also much more experienced than Koumetio, Williams and Van den Berg.

 

I'd trust him far more than the other three, as experience is vital in that position as he has more than all of the others. Wouldn't want him playing against any quick, skilful forwards but he'd be fine against some of the long ball teams we face in the league. 

You had me at "physically developed". 

[alles ist gut 3,962]

He would be about as well suited by our preference for a high defensive line as Long John Silver.

[Jairzinho 23,326]

6 minutes ago, alles ist gut said:

He would be about as well suited by our preference for a high defensive line as Long John Silver.

[dockers_strike 2,204]

12 hours ago, Supremolad said:

There were quotes from Klopp earlier in the year about him being impressed with Phillips' performances on Bundesliga 2. Could have just been mere words though.

 

It seems he isn't very highly rated because we were looking to loan him out again but couldn't sort out any deals with Championship clubs. Thankfully for him, he's been kept on. Hopefully he takes his chance when it comes and it turns out to be one of Klopp's many unlikely success stories.

Id hazard a guess Bundesliga 2 is a more challenging league than the National League North where Williams spent a period on loan.

[Joey8FrogsLegs 824]

5 hours ago, alles ist gut said:

He would be about as well suited by our preference for a high defensive line as Long John Silver.

Haha, that made me laugh! Mainly because I suspect you’re spot on. 
 

 

[dave u 6,145]

I think that high line is going to need readjusting regardless now, so it's a moot point.

[Joey8FrogsLegs 824]

49 minutes ago, dave u said:

I think that high line is going to need readjusting regardless now, so it's a moot point.

Probably true. That said I dont think even VAR can produce a line that will make Phillips a decent option.

[MegadriveMan 866]

1 hour ago, dave u said:

I think that high line is going to need readjusting regardless now, so it's a moot point.

Yep, its time to go even higher?

[an tha 6,323]

Is he fit? As if he is then even with our defensive crisis he can't even make a 22 man squad tonight.

 

Ot is that a rules thing as not in original squad and is over age to get in as b list?

[alles ist gut 3,962]

5 minutes ago, an tha said:

Is he fit? As if he is then even with our defensive crisis he can't even make a 22 man squad tonight.

He isn’t eligible, because we had already submitted our squad by the deadline, which was two weeks ago.

[an tha 6,323]

1 minute ago, alles ist gut said:

He isn’t eligible, because we had already submitted our squad by the deadline two weeks ago.

See my edit above

[alles ist gut 3,962]

1 minute ago, an tha said:

See my edit above

You are indeed correct on both points.

[an tha 6,323]

3 minutes ago, alles ist gut said:

You are indeed correct on both points.

Dawmed on me just after thought about it...wasn't sure if given VVD injury we could add before tonight.

[alles ist gut 3,962]

No, there’s no allowance for anything less than actual death.

[an tha 6,323]

3 minutes ago, alles ist gut said:

No, there’s no allowance for anything less than actual death.

Matip can be replaced then - phew.

[TheHowieLama 11,060]

Pull your socks up big boy.

[John102 665]

Good luck supremolad