06 Jun 2021 07:44:17
Ed’s 001
I have heard Norwich are interested in a loan deal for Neco Williams and the West Brom are interested in a perm deal for Nat Phillips
Have you heard of either, and do you think allowing Neco out on loan is a good idea, I thought he was our go to back up for TAA?

{Ed001's Note - I haven't heard either but I spend so much time researching and writing articles these days I don't really keep up with the transfer stuff much. Personally I wouldn't let Neco go on loan, it would then leave us relying on centre-backs and Milner to provide cover and that would not be a good situation. We have plenty of cover on the left now, with Beck impressing, but on the right I am not sure Bradley or Wall (I think) are ready to step up. Plus I would prefer Neco to continue working with Klopp personally.}

06 Jun 2021 08:29:42
West Brom was interested in Nat during January - I doubt he will want to drop a division now, I believe Sean Dyche is a fan and if he goes to Palace that could be where Nat ends up.

06 Jun 2021 09:48:53
Probably recycled reports on Nat Phillips then but I hope he gets the move he deserves and regular football.
Definitely agree on Neco staying as part of our squad and continuing to work with Klopp.

06 Jun 2021 09:51:44
Is Beck seen as being close to stepping up.

06 Jun 2021 13:55:55
I’m still of the opinion we should let Matip go and keep Phillips, as he’s a decent option and not made of crisps.

06 Jun 2021 20:12:45
Totally agree Victor, Nat is a rock solid backup player who would very likely be fit when needed to cover. Matip is a far better defender but injured more often than he is fit. The problem is I don't think Klopp is looking to move Matip on (as per Ed002 who knows these things) and not sure would anyone come in for him due to his injury issues anyway.

Nat has a good chance of starting a lot of games for us early next season if he stays.

{Ed0666's Note - I don’t agree Sean if Nat stays and starts more than 10 games I’d be surprised. Maybe FA cup and league games nothing of high importance tho.

07 Jun 2021 23:52:57
Hi Ed0666, I can see both VvD and Gomez being eased back and I just don't see VvD playing all the league matches even straight from the start of the season.

All three expected back for pre-season (including Matip too) and I hope all goes well but I'd be surprised if all 3 are fit to start the season.

Klopp likes to ease most players in so that's why a young centre back (who also has had his own share of issues) might not play straight from the start. Could be allowed some time to adjust from 3 centre backs to 2 centre backs and to Klopp's tactics. The only exception recently has been Kabak being thrown straight in but we could hardly have been more stuck at the time.

Nat has proven himself capable of doing a job for us, solid player and I think a very good chance of playing quite a lot the start of the upcoming season especially.

{Ed0666's Note - hey Sean I just don’t see it Philips playing from the off mate. In an ideal world you don’t want Konate starting the season like you said needs to be eased in as klopp likes to get new players primed as you where. I understand Matip’s injury is a real nasty one so not sure if he’ll be ready for the start but I have no doubts about Gomez or VVD being ready. We still have 2 and a bit months till we kick off again and from what I hear they’ll be ready. If not Konate would of had a full preseason to famialiarise himself to the klopp way of playing. So it will be two of either Joe/VVD/Konate and no Philips.

08 Jun 2021 14:02:47
Hi Ed0666, fair points and I hope you are right as it will mean the lads (VvD and Gomez) have recovered enough to play from the start of next season. I wouldn't expect either of them to play every match but we have Konate now too so great quality to pick from.

What a pity Mario's injuries over the last few seasons, a Rolls Royce of a defender when fit and on form but his body just can't seem to take it.

Anyway, hope Klopp will have a headache picking between all these great centre backs rather than patching 18 combinations together like this season.

08 Jun 2021 21:08:57
Ed0666 might be risky if gomez or vvd struggle along with matip konate who have injuries themselves phillps might needed better to play it safe after last season.

{Ed0666's Note - I still think that 2 or 3 if the others will be fit for the start of the season mate. So Philips won’t be needed.