The Case For Clyne
Truth be told, Nathaniel Clyne is not an ideal fit for the Jurgen Klopp Liverpool of 2019.
That's not to say the former Crystal Palace and Southampton full-back is a bad player; objectively, he is -- as Premier League full-backs go -- good.
But with Liverpool's ultra attacking and productive full-back pairing of Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson setting the bar ridiculously high, Clyne will find his game time -- provided he stays -- limited unless injuries occur.
There …
Nathaniel Clyne - Bad News Is Better Than No News
On the face of it, the prospect of Nathaniel Clyne, Liverpool’s first choice right-back and valuable first team player, being injured for up to three months after having surgery on a back injury is definitely not a good thing. The reasons why it’s a bad thing are inherently obvious, and this article isn’t here to be balanced. Obviously the prospect of missing an experienced first team player who is easily the best option we have in his position for a …
The Strange Case of Virgil van Dijk
On 7th June, 2017, Liverpool Football Club issued the following short statement:
Liverpool Football Club would like to put on record our regret over recent media speculation regarding Southampton Football Club and player transfers between the two clubs. We apologise to the owner, board of directors and fans of Southampton for any misunderstanding regarding Virgil van Dijk. We respect Southampton's position and can confirm we have ended any interest in the player.Read it carefully…it talks of regret …
Nathaniel Clyne: Time to Celebrate Liverpool’s Most Reliable Player
Nobody really grows up dreaming of being a right-back, do they? It is, quite possibly, the least glamorous position in football.
The likes Carlos Alberto, Cafu, Philipp Lahm and Dani Alves have done their utmost to make it fashionable, but it has invariably been a role that goes relatively unnoticed, in comparison to goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfield, striker and pretty much any other position on the field.
Even left-back is a little more mysterious and cool, due to left-footed players …
Nathaniel Clyne - Liverpool's Most Underated Player?
There's a strange narrative surrounding Nathaniel Clyne, a divide amongst Liverpool supporters. Some argue he's the finest right-back in the country, others doubt his contribution and want him to be replaced. For a player of such stability and consistency it amazes me that he draws such negative attention. So I thought best to explore both sides of this argument, discovering the reasons and the factors that drive them.
Signed last summer for a fee of £12.5 million, a relative snip …
Analysing Liverpool's Full-Backs
For far too long, we have complained and been critical of our full backs for not being good enough. At left back, ever since John Arne Riise left the club, we have been left wondering how good Fabio Aurelio could have been, had he not been made of glass. Jose Enrique has never really convinced anyone that he is the real deal, and with the likes of Paul Konchesky and Aly Cissokho in between, it is safe to say we …
Is 'Average Liverpool' Just a Media Narrative?
Even before Jurgen Klopp took over as Liverpool manager the English media had been pushing the idea that this Liverpool side is average. The same media were the ones praising the signings of James Milner and Christian Benteke saying they'd take the Reds up another level. So how can a team finish 6th last season, make signings that supposedly improve the side but on the whole become worse?
I don't give much credence to what the likes of Harry Redknapp …
Liverpool's Full-Backs Are Integral To The High Press
The Tottenham game was just a sign of things to come. Jurgen Klopp managed to stamp his personality and style all over the Liverpool display and he managed this after having the squad for a matter of days. There's no need to be conservative, you're allowed to be excited.
There have been plenty of superb pieces analysing the match on Saturday, one well worth your time is here. Jamie Carragher, on Monday Night Footbal, highlighted just how well Liverpool managed …
Injuries Could Temporarily Solve Our Striker Puzzle
Daniel Sturridge returned to Liverpool’s ranks against Norwich as a man under pressure. In fact, many Liverpool fans had pinned the potential successes of our season all on him, just as they had done last year with sad consequences. Liverpool’s squad for 2015/16 has been bolstered though by the incoming Benteke, Ings and Origi, which would have lifted some of the pressure of Sturridge had Liverpool’s attacking play so far not been so stale and laboured.
Despite the poor attack, …
Jürgen Klopp: The Sole Candidate
As Brendan Rodgers' tenure as Liverpool manager edges towards an unsavoury climax, I look to the man on every supporters' lips and why he'd make the ideal replacement.
Should the Liverpool job be made available, I expect it will be highly coveted and sought after. FSG, despite recent criticisms on decision making, are extremely generous and supportive owners (for how much longer remains to be seen). The club whilst not as financially strong as the current top 4, are still …