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Liverpool are investing into their future with loan deals for Neco Williams and Nat Phillips

Neco Williams and Nat Phillips

With the temporary exit of Nat Phillips and Neco Williams, Liverpool have lost two defensive players, that at times, Klopp has relied on.

But, in order to progress, is it necessary Liverpool look to allow the youngsters to gain footballing experience elsewhere, to bring them back to the club even stronger? 

By leaving a no option to buy on both loan deals, the impression is given that the players are out strictly for development and that Liverpool intend to bring the two youngsters back with more experience, making the most of the situation for both Liverpool and the players. 

Jurgen Klopp and Neco Williams - Is there a future for the Welsh fullback at Liverpool and can he grow at Liverpool

This gives a great impression of investment, not financially, but in the youth of the side.

The terms of the deal give the players the confidence that the club aren’t showcasing their talent to tempt the clubs to purchase them at the end of the loan, but instead they are insistent on keeping them if their performances prove worthy. 

How will these moves benefit the players?

Nat Phillips

The centre-half has burst into the Liverpool side and come leaps and bounds in terms of his confidence and ability to adapt to the form of football Liverpool play. 

Klopp has often relied on the youngster in times of crisis, but has also given him the opportunity to gain experience in the cup and in Europe, with a memorable appearance coming against AC Milan away from home.

Last season especially, with 17 league appearances, Phillips showcased his ball-winning defensive side, but also his composure and ability to use his feet.

Klopp has previously described him as one of the smartest players he’s worked with. 

He said: “I remember when I saw Nat Phillips first. I spoke to him after the game and he’s one of the smartest players I ever worked with. I told him, ‘You know you are not the easiest on the eye, eh?'”

He earnt the love and respect of the Kop with his demanding, aggressive style of play. He is a willing and hardworking defender, who is not afraid of putting his body on the line.

He’s found himself with his head wrapped up mid-game a couple of times, and often leaving the field with cuts and bruises: 

With this spell at Championship side Bournemouth, Phillips is given the chance to play regular football, develop, and further prove his worth and fight for his place at Liverpool.

Although he is absent from the club, it is no secret that they will be keeping close tabs on him in order to monitor his progression. 

With the presence of defenders like Gary Cahill, Phillips has the chance to learn from some top players, a club that is not a stranger to the premier league and a great manager in Scott Parker.

With a clear set goal of promotion, the club will not allow slack performances, and Phillips will be pushed to a physical and mental peak on this loan spell. 

Nathaniel Phillips

The consistency of football that Bournemouth will hopefully provide Phillips will allow his defensive knowledge to develop, his confidence to grow and his ability to be shown.

Neco Williams

A temporary move to Fulham will hopefully see a boost of experience for the young right back. 

With an arguably rocky start to his introduction at Liverpool, Klopp has invested time and faith into Neco, which has been controversial regarding his success, performance-wise. 

He doesn’t lack appearances for the Reds, and has been heavily involved in cup runs, also often coming off the bench in league fixtures, but with his competition to be in the starting line up being Trent Alexander-Arnold, it is understandable how his chances to play have been restricted. 

Neco Williams

Klopp has given Neco chances to mirror the role of Trent, with committing forward and beating opposing full backs, and found that he is quite successful in this area of the pitch.

This led to a trial of Neco playing in more attacking roles on the pitch and displaying his abilities. 

This bodes well for his move to Fulham. The fresh set of management and new environment may allow his best play style and position to be found.

If the chance to play football consistently is provided, and he is worked closely in training, he has the chance to develop greatly. 

Neco Williams

The chance to play in a new environment, with room to experiment on his position in the team, is what will benefit Neco the most.

A fresh set of coaching staff and a new style of play may show the best or worst of Williams, as this move really gives him a chance to grow into the opportunity provided by both Liverpool and Fulham. 

Neco Williams

Known for his use of the 4-2-3-1 (and 4-3-3 and 3 backs in the past), manager Marco Silva’s tactical line up allows full backs to attack, while protected by the defensive midfielders.

This formation also forces wide players to track back and defend as a unit, tucking in and supporting the back line. 

With Silva playing 2 wide players, it is tough to decide what role he will ask Neco to adopt, however with the style of play Fulham have taken, it is visible that Neco has a good chance of adapting easily.

Neco Williams

This move suits him and the club well, and overall seems a good fit for a loan deal.

Hopefully, the move provides a chance for the Welshman to gain experience and confidence in a strong Fulham side, with some experienced players and staff around him.

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