Klopp makes Lewandowski comparison in addressing Liverpool transfer scenario

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Liverpool ace Nat Phillips could leave in January when the transfer window opens.

It comes amid a comparison between the defender and current Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski, who the Reds boss coached while at Borussia Dortmund.

Phillips became a breakout star last season for Liverpool after an injury-hit campaign that saw the academy graduate play 21 times.

But with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez recovering from their injuries, as well as the arrival of Ibrahima Konate in the summer, the 24-year-old has been restricted to just two substitute appearances this year.

There was talk that the Englishman could leave in the closing stages of the last transfer window, with the likes of Burnley and Newcastle linked.

And Klopp has admitted he could leave for his own sake in January to garner more first-team football while also comparing the defender to Lewandowski, who became a world-class star under the German's tutelage at Dortmund before joining Bayern Munich.

"People often ask me which player made the biggest improvements under my leadership, and I say Robert Lewandowski," the Reds boss said.

"That's probably right, but not far off that is Nat Phillips, just in a completely different department.

"I remember when I saw Nat Phillips first. I spoke to him after the game and he's one of the smartest players I ever worked with

"I told him: 'You know you are not the easiest on the eye, eh?'

"But he improved in pretty much everything since, and he's not playing. Life is sometimes not fair and I can't blame him."

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With January fast approaching, Liverpool are back to their swashbuckling best after scoring 12 times in three matches - including a 4-0 mauling of Arsenal, and changes are being planned for the winter window - with Phillips eyeing an exit.

"We cannot keep him forever, that's clear. We needed him, just to be safe, for that half-year," Klopp added.

"We will see what happens in the window. He was fine doing it because he's a great guy.

"But his development is absolutely insane. You saw it last year, you would have said: 'Nat Phillips, oh my God, he plays in the last line?'

"People love him because of his heading but with his feet he is unbelievable.

"He's a late starter, but his development is unbelievable. I would sign him for any club except Liverpool because we have him."

Meanwhile, Klopp has insisted he expects star players Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane to delay their arrival at the African Cup of Nations.