Maybe we have different definitions of commanding? Because he’s certainly not the one in the side given the responsibility to organise and lead the back 4 through the games to me. He’s seemingly given 100% freedom to do what he thinks beat at the time, to attack the play and play his natural game. Alexander-Arnold and Kabak to either side and Fabinho in front are then between them covering and keeping things organised and in shape because he’s then no longer a part of that.
He’s the one barking orders!
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No he’s not. Barking and barking orders are not the same thing. He has very little tactical appreciation of the game. Trent, Ozan, Ali and Fab are around him dealing with the tactical side on his behalf. The idea of our worst tactical player in the squad (except maybe Origi) being the one organising us is suspect to me. He’s the Skrtel to Kabaks Agger!
Get on with you, watch the body language!
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Really? 
He’s played 3 games in March. Two wins and that defeat against Fulham.
Nice PR moves by the club, like handing out those MOTM awards to our CB’s after almost each game.
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Little bit harsh that mate.
Klopp as a player was what Nat is now. Just because a defender isn’t as good as the best defenders in the world, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the tactical appreciation. He has the tools he has, his job is to let Klopp and co do the tactics, and he enacts them.
In terms of the leader at the back that starts build up play, to do that, you need to be comfortable on the ball, and be able to pick out the right passes. He’s no where near the abilities of Virgil when it comes to that type of play, Kabak shows way more. That’s why, imo, he won’t be that type of leader (to start the play).
As long as Nat carries on working on the basics within the system, he’s an awesome asset to have around. There are plenty of games where low block teams start pumping in long balls, and if you need to sure things up, Nat’s the kind of CB that can do that job of just clear the lines.
I think he deserves another season here, is dependable, but I’m still very much of the view that we need to bring in two CBs in total so go into the season with 5- Virgil, Gomez, Phillips, and two new CBs (say Konate and Kabak - but it could be any of the others mentioned - not relevant to this thread) - then maybe send Rhys Williams out on loan. The new CBs will be the future.
Edit: Fuck, forgot about Davies!
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Actually he’s the opposite of Klopp. Klopp said something along the lines of having the brain of a Champions League player and the body of a conference League player so he found his level as a second division defender. Phillips is the exact opposite. He’s not got great speed but physically everything else about him is great to be a CB. It’s his brain which is the limiting factor. He’s more a Stephan Henchoz or Martin Skrtel if you want to compare him to someone and could be a useful option under the right manager and set up.
Ummmm they’re right aren’t they?
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I can’t get my brain around how you know the workings of others brains’ to be able to make statements like that.
Doesn’t change my view on Phillips - he should stay on.
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I agree, but it doesnt mean they are wrong to act this way. It’s part of what we think makes our club special. We could highlight the lad’s limitations, or rally around the guy we all know is out of his depth and is only being called upon out of necessity and do what is necessary to lift him up as long he is needed. Yes, he’s loving his dream, but the dream is also based on you being good enough. It’s quickly a nightmare if you find yourself so out of your depth in such a high profile situation as he, in all honesty is. We can wrapping our arms around him and praising him to the hilt even though we know we’re over egging it, or we can sit back and let him drown.
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Yeah, but I don’t see it as so important. Not giving Nat this award wouldn’t be anything against him, wouldn’t expose his weaknesses. Could this be a nice touch for his morale? Yeah, it probably is exactly that. I just find it funny, a little sad, too. In general, it’s not aimed only at Liverpool now. Just like they were quick to stop with “Inside Anfield/xy” videos when we started losing games in a row, but then cherry picked games when to make those videos after a few wins. Why do that?
It feels very much to me he’s a player who hand on heart isn’t the level we need, but what he has done is stepped in at our hour of need and delivered. So he will have a season he couldn’t have dreamed about last summer this year and go to a club like Burnley hopefully, and forge a great career with our blessing and thanks.
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If he had the football smarts and skills he’d be an amazing CB, if a tiny bit slow, as there is nothing wrong with his physical attributes. He’s solidly built, strong, combative, good enough in the air, not ridiculously slow, quite athletic… its skill and match reading etc. that’s holding him back. Don’t need to be psychic.
While I applaud the way he’s played I guess the question are why he hasn’t been pushing for a 1st team place before this season?
Pace is probably one big reason. Maybe there are others? 
There’s nothing wrong with his tactical nous. It’s you who seems to have lost a marble or two when it comes to this player.
No he’s not great anfd he probably knows it better than you but he’s not a complete imbicile of a donkey either!!!
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Simply he’s not good enough at this level, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t know a thing or two. He’s been trained FFS!!!
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How though? Across the board, any particular aspects of his game etc.
I’d argue he’s better than many with his head for example.
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He’s just not good enough on the ball, he’s a proper old fashioned style defender. Will suit a lot of clubs.
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