Liverpool right back Nathaniel Clyne believes the role of full back has changed dramatically since he first started playing professionally nearly a decade ago.
25 year old Clyne made his debut for Crystal Palace at the age of 17 in 2008 but talking to Liverpoolfc.com, he said his position back then was mainly focused on his defensive duties rather than looking to go forward. Under Jurgen Klopp however, Clyne has revealed that he not only has to cover defensively but is required to be an attacking outlet when opposition wingers vacate the space on the wing:
“[The role] has changed. When I first started the game, it was more about defending – coming up against your winger and trying to stop him, and being close to your centre-back. Nowadays, it has changed, it is more demanding for a full-back.”
“They want you to get up and down the line very quickly and also help out in attack, almost becoming wingers really. Nowadays, wingers are coming inside and want to play more inside. It gives license to the full-back to have the whole line.”
Clyne has been a consistent performer since arriving from Southampton back at the start of 2015. The £12.5million that the Reds spent on him is looking money well spent and so far this season he has already provided two assists in 15 matches in all competitions.
His excellent injury record has also provided the side with much needed stability; something that had been lacking in the opposite full back position until Jurgen Klopp opted to convert James Milner to play in the role at the start of the season.
