OPINION
Apart from making stellar signings, introducing players from a club’s youth system is a great way of introducing new talent into the squad – and that is what Liverpool seem to be plotting with their starlets.
Mirror journalist David Maddock revealed on his personal Twitter account that Jurgen Klopp is keen to “encourage and develop” centre-back Nat Phillips after sanctioning a move for Ragnar Klavan – but he could be making a grave mistake in doing so.
Klopp sanctioned move for Klavan to Cagliari, despite injuries to Lovren and Matip, because of strong desire to offer route into squad for young players. Nat Phillips has big potential and #LFC boss keen to encourage and develop him.
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) August 17, 2018
The 21-year-old featured in Liverpool’s first team set-up over the course of pre-season, which included playing in front of 101,000 fans in Michigan.
However, despite enhancing his reputation during the summer, Phillips should not be rushed into the first team by Klopp, as the Premier League is too big of a step up for him at the moment.
His performances in pre-season were promising and obviously gave Klopp something to think about when considering his team selections, but it would be a risk to introduce him straight away.
This season could be a defining moment in Liverpool’s history, and Klopp must not tarnish that by selecting a player with no Premier League experience to his name.
The Reds already have two quality centre-backs in the shapes of Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who were solid in the heart of the team’s defence in Sunday’s victory over West Ham.
Physicality is an integral part of Phillip’s game, especially standing at 6’4″ [Transfermarkt] tall – and the giant would make a welcome addition to Klopp’s side with his presence, but not just yet.
His inclusion in the Reds’ pre-season squad was somewhat of a surprise due to a string of impressive performances by his youth teammate George Johnston, and Phillips is lucky that he was given the chance over him to play in pre-season.
He needs to be introduced slowly – meaning Klopp must consider him for Cup games this term instead of top-flight clashes, in order to develop his talent further and prepare him for the demands of the Premier League.
