Why Liverpool should keep Nathaniel Clyne when he comes back from loan spell
Liverpool let go of Nathaniel Clyne to Bournemouth on a short-term loan deal in the recently concluded January window. The Englishman wasn’t getting much game time and hence, manager Jurgen Klopp gave the green light to this move. (h/t Express)
While the 27-year-old is starting on a regular basis for the Cherries, the Reds are barely able to manage without him. Trent Alexander-Arnold got injured in the Brighton game early last month and has only played against Bayern since then. The youngster is still not completely fit, which is part of the reason why he didn’t start against Manchester United.
Joe Gomez, who can play at right-back or centre-back, has been out for the past two months now and is doubtful to return before the latter stages of this season. (h/t Liverpool FC)
As a result, James Milner has been deputising in that position. While the former Manchester City man is doing a good job, it is clearly visible that he is not a natural right-back. He was taken to the cleaners against Wilfried Zaha in the Crystal Palace game and his final ball delivery at Old Trafford wasn’t even up to half of the standard set by Alexander-Arnold.
Hence, the Reds shouldn’t rely on their young right-back and Gomez to cover up the right-back slot. Instead, they must keep hold of Nathaniel Clyne when he returns from his loan spell.
Klopp should let Trent and Clyne fight for that position, allowing Gomez to concentrate at centre-back and continuing a good job alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Furthermore, Liverpool are in a title race this season and they should be aiming to win more competitions from next year onwards. For that to happen, squad depth should be in function throughout the course of the campaign.
Conclusion
From Clyne’s point of view, it would be good for him to stay at Anfield and fight for his place in the team. The former Southampton man should see the bigger picture and stay with a team that is progressing under Klopp. Due to the latter, every player involved in the progressive journey gets better as well. Hence, it will help the player’s development going into the latter stages of his career if he sticks with this Liverpool team for as long as possible.
