‘Throwback’ Nat Phillips’ story ‘is what dreams are made of’, insists Jamie Redknapp

Jamie Redknapp has lauded Nat Phillips’ towering performance for Liverpool in their crucial 3-0 victory at Burnley – and insisted that his stellar evening at the back is ‘what dreams are made of’. 

The centre half, 24, has been forced to step in with several of his team-mates out with injuries and has caught the eye with a series of assured and mature showings.

His latest came in the test at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening, which even saw him secure an unlikely spot on the scoresheet, and Redknapp didn’t hold back when lavishing him with praise.

Nat Phillips’ impressive showing in Liverpool’s win at Burnley was lauded by Jamie Redknapp

‘Phillips had an unbelievable time, really good header, he reads it so well,’ Redknapp said on Sky Sports. ‘I am delighted for him. 

‘I love stories like this. He was on loan last year, and probably thought he had no chance in the first-team with (Joe) Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, but it is what dreams are made of. 

‘He is a throwback defender. Today they look pretty, come out with blocks. Phillips wants to make tackles. He made one versus United, he knows his limitations, but he keeps it simple and does the basics. He can do a great job.  

‘Right now he is in dreamland, he has proved to himself that he can play at this level. 

‘Chris Wood is a handful. If he was playing with Van Dijk it would be easier. It’s not easy playing with inexperience, but they have got Liverpool back into the top four, and they should be proud of themselves.’ 

After recovering from a shaky start, Phillips went on to dominate against a physical Burnley outfit inside the penalty area alongside Rhys Williams.

Phillips was forced into action when clearing the ball off the line at a key moment and, as a result of his heroics, was named man of the match. 

In total, he won nine headers and pulled off three inch-perfect tackles, in another performance which has underlined his stunning coming of age for the Anfield club.

More to follow.