Nat Phillips: From Savior to Sidekick…
Meet Nat Phillips, the Liverpool defender who saved the team’s bacon in the 2020-21 season faster than you can say “injury crisis!” When Liverpool’s defense was thinner than a pancake, Phillips appeared like a superhero… minus the cape. The 28-year-old made an impressive 20 appearances, propelling the Reds to a top-four finish and securing their Champions League spot. Sadly, once the defensive heavyweights returned, it was back to the bench for Nat.
The cheeky defenders, Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez, had all the luck of Keeled-over-Klopp comebacks, leaving Nat to wander the loan wilderness. He has since showcased his skills at Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff, and currently Derby, where he’s been a linchpin. His nine-year saga with Liverpool is wrapping up, as the defender looks to conquer new adventures after this season.
Jurgen Klopp, the charming German manager, spared no words to appreciate Phillips. Along with partner-in-crime Rhys Williams, Phillips’ contributions were lauded. “They left the pitch with a bandage around the head, like footballing mummies!” Klopp chuckled, reminiscing about the duo’s pivotal roles during a season where Liverpool barely kept kicking. For Nat, his legacy is sealed with a wink and a chuckle!
