6 clearances, 55 passes: Nat Phillips shines as Liverpool beat Manchester United

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Choosing central defensive partnerships hasn’t come easy to Liverpool this season. Injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip has decimated Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

Amid a season of chaos though, one man has emerged from the wreckage with a defiant stance that he can become a future Liverpool star. Nat Phillips was once again in decent form last night and his stock continues to rise.

Last season’s champions were brilliant against Manchester United. The 4-2 win saw them come from behind and showcase some of the qualities going forward that has seen them win the title last season.

The night didn’t start brilliantly for the £64,000-a-week Phillips. He deflected Bruno Fernandes’ effort beyond Alisson to give the Red Devils a dream start to the Old Trafford clash.

Good players overcome setbacks though and boy did Phillips do that. After his shaky start, he emerged from the game with some remarkable statistics and didn’t shirk away from the challenge.

According to Who Scored, he won four aerial duels and made no fewer than six clearances on the night. Perhaps more pleasing, however, was the fact he made 55 passes on the night – more than any other Liverpool player.

At 24, there is plenty of time for Phillips to continue his development. Next season, could prove more challenging for him to get first-team football but he’s definitely made a statement this season.

With Van Dijk and Gomez likely to be fit for 2021/22, Klopp is likely to revert back to a tried and tested partnership at the heart of his back four.

Phillips, however, has at least made it a challenge for those players to take the shirt away from his back. Whilst Van Dijk will walk back into the team, whoever partners him isn’t quite so clear cut.

The Bolton Baresi will hope he’s done enough to be part of Klopp’s plans again next season.