Klopp explained the reason for choosing Phillips over Van Dijk

Liverpool are facing a major crisis on defense after Van Dijk had to retire for months due to a cruciate ligament injury. Other defensive substitutes such as Fabinho and Joel Matip were also injured.

That forced Klopp to use Nat Phillips against West Ham. The 23-year-old has only made one appearance for Liverpool in an FA Cup match against Everton. This player has just spent a year playing for Stuttgart on loan in the German second division. And Klopp believes that experience helps Phillips become the best candidate for the starting position against West Ham.

“Phillips is the most experienced player I have in my hand. He played well in training camp, he was a player with the ability to challenge the elders in the first team. He loves head-to-head situations and is good at combat. Definitely a special day for him.

I couldn’t be more satisfied with the way we defended with Phillips. Before the game, I asked him if he was worried. He said no, but I said if it was me, yes. But Phillips is confident and does the right thing. Three years ago, Phillips went to the United States to attend college. He is very intelligent. And now he plays for Liverpool, a nice story.

Young star Curtis Jones also had the opportunity to start in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. In attack, coach Klopp has the service of the trio Salah, Mane and Firmino after giving these players a break against Midtjylland in the middle of the week.

With last night’s win, Liverpool were unbeaten in their last 8 matches against West Ham. “Sledgehammer” have lost 21 of their last 24 away games to the Premier League champions in previous seasons.