Nat Phillips helped steer Liverpool to a 1-0 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night and former Reds defender Dominic Matteo has outlined what Jurgen Klopp will “love” about the understudy centre-back.
Liverpool have suffered an injury crisis in the heart of their defence this season with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all ruled out, leaving the likes of midfield duo Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson – who is now also sidelined himself – to fill in.
After waiting to make their move throughout January, the Reds made their move on the final day of the winter transfer window with a double swoop for Preston North End’s Ben Davies and Schalke’s Ozan Kabak arriving on loan.
However, it was Phillips who impressed at Molineux, earning the highest mark among his team-mates of ‘8’ from the ECHO's Ian Doyle in his Liverpool Player Ratings.
Matteo, who made 155 appearances for the Reds between 1993-2000, reckons the Blackrod-born player, who celebrates his 24 th birthday on Sunday, will be impressing his manager with his displays.
The Focus quote him as telling Stadium Astro : “There have been some real quality players ahead of him. He’s had to wait for his chance.
“At times I worry about him because he absolutely flies in and it’s something you can’t teach. It’s just a natural thing, certain players do it.
“Overall, he’s wholehearted. He’ll have a right good go and Klopp will love him for that. Klopp loves that type of player.”
