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With makeshift center-back Fabinho out and Joel Matip still injured, the 23-year-old starts alongside Joe Gomez at the heart of the Reds’ backline.
Jurgen Klopp has relied on Nat Phillips to line up in Liverpool’s central defender against West Ham because he is the most experienced option available.
The Reds are battling a defensive injury crisis after Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for several months with a knee ligament injury suffered against Everton in early October.
With makeshift center-back Fabinho out and Joel Matip still injured, the 23-year-old Phillips has been drafted for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Anfield.
Rhys Williams was relied upon to replace Fabinho after the Brazilian international limped away in the first half of Liverpool’s Champions League win against Midtjylland on Tuesday, while Klopp also highlighted 17-year-old Billy Koumetio, as an option to accompany Joe Gómez in the rear. line.
Meanwhile, the coach also said he’s willing to move left-back Andrew Robertson to the middle to close the gap.
Phillips had made just one senior appearance for the Reds, an FA Cup game against Everton earlier this year, before making his Premier League debut on Saturday.
The former Bolton youth academy player spent a season on loan at Stuttgart in Germany’s second division, and Klopp believes his experience made him the ideal candidate to start against David Moyes’ side.
“Nat is the most experienced of the guys,” Klopp said before kickoff.
“He looks good in training, he is a true challenger, he loves one-on-one situations and is good in the air. It is a 100 percent special day for him.”
Young Curtis Jones also has another opportunity in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum.
On the other hand, Klopp’s team has a more familiar feel, with the three favorite forwards of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all back. None of the three started the Champions League victory in the middle of the week, although they did come off the bench.
West Ham, meanwhile, started with Sebastien Haller on top in the absence of the injured Michail Antonio.
Liverpool are undefeated in their last eight Premier League games against West Ham, who have lost 21 of their 24 away games to the reigning league champions in previous seasons.
