Liverpool are currently experiencing a wave of players returning to the club after having their loan contracts terminated. Fabio Carvalho, Owen Beck, Rhys Williams, and James Balagizi have all come back to Anfield after spending the first half of the season away from Jurgen Klopp’s side. However, amidst the attention surrounding these four players, there is another returnee who has flown under the radar – Nat Phillips.

Unlike the quartet mentioned earlier, Phillips didn’t require a recall from his loan spell. This is because his loan deal with Celtic had already expired. The 26-year-old center-back joined Celtic on a short-term loan, which came to an end in December. Now, he finds himself back at Liverpool, training with the first team and ready to provide important depth to the squad.

During a recent press conference, Jurgen Klopp spoke about Phillips’ loan spell at Celtic, admitting that it didn’t go exactly according to plan. Klopp acknowledged that Phillips had suffered from a few injuries during his time at the Scottish club. He also emphasized that playing time at Celtic is highly dependent on the team’s positive momentum, and if a player gets a knock during that period, it could affect their position in the team. However, Klopp made it clear that this situation doesn’t reflect on Phillips’ quality as a player.

Klopp stated that Phillips would now train with the Liverpool first team at the AXA training center, and the coaching staff would closely monitor his progress. The club will assess their own situation and have discussions about Phillips’ future towards the end of the month. Klopp emphasized the need to consider various factors before making any transfer decisions.

Nat Phillips’ return to Liverpool provides a boost to the team’s defensive options. His performances last season, particularly during the ιnjury crisis that plagued the club’s center-backs, earned him praise and recognition from fans and pundits alike. Phillips showcased his aerial prowess, ability to read the game, and composure under pressure. His partnership with Ozan Kabak at the heart of Liverpool’s defense played a crucial role in the team’s successful campaign to secure Champions League qualification.

With the return of Phillips, Liverpool now have additional depth in defense. Alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Ibrahima Konate, Phillips adds valuable competition for places and provides Klopp with more options to rotate and manage the team’s defensive workload. Given the intensity of the Premier League and the potential for injuries, having such depth in defense is crucial for any title-challenging team.