Mark Lawrenson makes prediction regarding Nat Phillips at Liverpool amid AFC Bournemouth loan stint

Arriving on loan from Liverpool on Deadline Day, Nat Phillips was one of five players to touch down at The Vitality Stadium in the final 24 hours before the January transfer window slammed shut. 

The 24-year-old, who appeared 17 times in the Premier League for the Merseyside club last season, has played twice for the Cherries since his late move to the Championship.

Starting his youth career with Bolton Wanderers, the young defender joined Liverpool in 2016 and has gone on to feature 24 times at first-team level.

Speaking to Off The Ball, BBC Sports pundit Mark Lawrenson addressed Nat Phillips’ situation: “You get some players who come in, I mean Nat Phillips, he did really really well and he’s gone to Bournemouth on loan and they’ll sell him, and they’ll sell him for big money. 

“This is something Arsene Wenger used to do, he’d bring promising players through, play them in the first-team before deciding they weren’t at the level. 

“Then people would come in to buy them and you can say ‘he’s played 15 games in the Premier League’ and hike up the price. Liverpool have locked onto that in the last few years and some of the sales have been outstanding.” 

The verdict 

It will be interesting to see how Phillips progresses with the Cherries this season, with the early signs suggesting he can be a real hit and could bolster their chances of promotion. 

It will be equally as intriguing to see what Liverpool’s plan for Phillips might be, with Lawrenson’s prediction making a lot of sense, especially if he can shine at The Vitality Stadium. 

Phillips’ extended period in Liverpool’s first team, whilst playing well, will be an indication to the Championship club that he would be able to step up to top-tier football once more, should