Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has called on Jurgen Klopp to drop Nathaniel Phillips and deploy Jordan Henderson at centre back.
Klopp’s defence has been hit by injuries, with Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all on the treatment table.
That led to Reds manager Klopp selecting Phillips for just his third Premier League start of the season for the goalless draw at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Although the draw ensured the Premier League champions stayed top, Phillips was shaky at times.
And Murphy was less than impressed with the youngster’s display, suggesting that Liverpool should move captain Henderson from central midfield to the heart of their defence.
“I think he [Phillips] struggled a bit at times. He got the booking in the second half when he was out of position a couple of times,” Murphy told Stadium Astro.
“I’d play Henderson there in a big game, alongside Fabinho at the moment. I know he likes to trust the young lads and give them a go, but with the other midfield options, I’d play Henderson there.
“He’s quick, experienced, nobody’s going to run him, he can leap, that’s what I’d do, personally.”
Murphy pinpointed Callum Wilson as the main source of Phillips’ troubles, with the Magpies striker seeming to have the upper-hand in his battle with Liverpool’s young defender.
“He looked a bit nervy tonight, I think in the forthcoming games we’ll probably see a change there. I’d be surprised if he keeps his place, to be honest,” he said.
“I know he gives that aerial presence, but depending on who you play against, I don’t think you can only be in the team for that, you need a little bit more.
“I think he was a bit in awe of Wilson at times, a bit in fear of him, you could sense it. I felt uneasy when he was around Wilson. They still kept a clean sheet, to be fair to them.”
