The Liverpool forgotten man who should be in Jurgen Klopp’s selection thoughts after last Arsenal display

It was a performance of pure dominance.

A display that deserved travelling Kopites marvel every aerial duel won and each robust tackle. It was a shame the clash was behind closed door.

Nat Phillips showed no fear the last time Liverpool faced Arsenal. Not a thing fazed him despite it being just his 12th Premier League game.

Alexander Lacazette, who cost the Gunners £46.5 million, found that out when he was left bleeding when challenging for a header.

That’s a stat

In total, he won six aerial duels, double more than anyway else on the pitch, and had the most touches (103) of the two teams.

It was a no-nonsense showing from Phillips. The sort of defensive resolve required amid a crisis when Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were ruled out for the rest of the season.

Phillips provided the Reds the bedrock to run out 3-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium. He'd continue to provide the bedrock for the rest of the season as Liverpool miraculously clinched a Champions League spot against all odds.

WhoScored gave him a match rating of 7.65, with only Trent Alexander-Arnold, two-goal hero Diogo Jota and Fabinho scoring better.

But as the Reds prepare for their next encounter against Arsenal on Saturday, Phillips will have to settle for a spot on the bench.

A familiar place

And it's only because of Gomez's calf setback he'll be in the squad. If the England international was fit, the Anfield stands would be Phillips' vantage point.

The 24-year-old has very much reverted to his bit-part role on Merseyside.

Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip have all moved back ahead in the pecking order following their lengthy absences.

Meanwhile, Klopp opted to recruit Ibrahima Konate for £36 million from RB Leipzig in the summer. The Frenchman has played three times in the Premier League so far.

As a consequence, Phillips has been confined to just two substitute appearances for Liverpool this term.

He even dropped down to the under-21s to play in a Papa John's Trophy game against his former club Bolton to gain much-needed minutes.

High praise

However, despite being on the periphery of things, Klopp's never forgotten about Phillips when discussing his centre-half options. In fact, it's the Liverpool boss who reminds the media he's still a valuable member of the squad.

After his 45-minute outing in last month's Carabao Cup victory over Preston, Klopp lauded Philipps' display.

He told the club's website: “Nat played really well. Joel is not injured. It was just clear we wanted him to play 45 minutes [so] that he can keep the rhythm – Joel needs these kind of things.

“It was clear as well that Nat Phillips will come on because we just have to let him out because he’s in incredible shape, is training really well – and I think we could see that.

“He’s a top-class centre-half and that’s really good to see."

Next opportunity

So when could we see Phillips again?

Maybe Klopp's pondered his performance against Arsenal last season and how he nullified the potent strike force of Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They've bagged 10 goals between them this season.

The Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester on December 22 is the likeliest possibility, though. It'll give Klopp a chance to rotate his side.

Perhaps Klopp might even give Phillips a runout in the final two Champions League group matches now Liverpool are already safely into the last 16.

Regardless, it's a sign of the Reds' strength in depth in the rearguard -and Phillips remains a well-regarded deputy.