Danny Murphy has claimed that Nat Phillips is “very far” from the quality required at Liverpool as he discusses how the Reds will manage in Virgil van Dijk’s absence.
Our No. 4 was substituted at half time after picking up a hamstring injury during the 3-1 loss to Brentford and there are fears the Dutchman could sit out until February.
Ibou Konate and Joel Matip finished the match as Jurgen Klopp’s two central defenders, while Joe Gomez and Phillips were the unused substitutes in a match in which Jordan Henderson was sorely missed according to the ex-Red.
“I think he is [Nat Phillips] a long way off to be honest,” Murphy told talkSPORT (via Rousing The Kop).
“The biggest problem would be more the midfield. I still feel like when you don’t have Henderson there, there’s a flaw, both physical and leadership.
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I didn’t see anyone the other night [against Brentford]maybe Roberto [Andy Robertson] when he entered, he does it a little. But you know, second corner, third corner, the ball kept ending up in the back of the net, I didn’t see anybody serving anybody.
“Jordan, if you go and watch Liverpool or England play, all you can hear is Jordan Henderson organizing, yelling, kicking people in the butt. [Liverpool] He didn’t seem to have it in the first half, it was a really worrying display. [vs Brentford].”
As far as our No. 47 is concerned, we certainly think Murphy’s comments are a bit harsh: he’s clearly nowhere near van Dijk’s quality, but every time he’s called up, he puts in solid performances.
The club reportedly set the price for the Bolton-born defender last month, but with the Netherlands captain’s new injury it is now unlikely he will be allowed to leave.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool captain missed the match with a concussion but should be available for Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Wolves at Anfield.
Reds fans have been clamoring for the club to sign a new midfielder since the summer and our dismal performance against Thomas Frank’s side has only strengthened those calls.
The Anfield side have been linked with the moves of several midfielders, including Sofyan Amrabat, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, while Jude Bellingham remains the club’s main transfer target and any deal for the England international is likely to be reached. in summer.
There was a lack of fighting and a lack of quality during the west London clash and we need a much better performance against Julián Lopetegui’s side at the weekend.
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