Jurgen Klopp has been urged to keep Nathaniel Phillips for Skipper Jordan Henderson at the Reds' back-four
Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has called on Jurgen Klopp to drop 'struggling' Nathaniel Phillips and deploy Jordan Henderson at centre back.
Liverpool defence been hit by injuries, with Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk all on the treatment table before the first half of the season.
Phillips replaced Joel Matip at centre-back to book his third Premier League start of the season for the Reds in a goalless draw at Newcastle on Wednesday.
But Murphy was less than impressed with the youngster’s display, suggesting that Jurgen Klopp should move captain Henderson from central midfield to the heart of their defence.
"I think he [Phillips] struggled a bit at times. He got the booking in the second half when he was out of position a couple of times," Murphy told Stadium Astro.
"I’d play Henderson there in a big game, alongside Fabinho at the moment. I know he likes to trust the young lads and give them a go, but with the other midfield options, I’d play Henderson there.
"He’s quick, experienced, nobody’s going to run him, he can leap, that’s what I’d do, personally."
Murphy identified Callum Wilson as the main source of Phillips’ troubles, with the Magpies striker seeming to have the upper-hand in his battle with Liverpool’s young defender.
"He looked a bit nervy tonight, I think in the forthcoming games we’ll probably see a change there. I’d be surprised if he keeps his place, to be honest," he said.
"I know he gives that aerial presence, but depending on who you play against, I don’t think you can only be in the team for that, you need a little bit more.
"I think he was a bit in awe of Wilson at times, a bit in fear of him, you could sense it. I felt uneasy when he was around Wilson. They still kept a clean sheet, to be fair to them."