Trying to stop this team’s attacking stars must make training an absolute nightmare for Liverpool’s defenders.
There aren’t many better ways for Jurgen Klopp’s back four to improve, though, than by playing against arguably the most potent attacking force in the Premier League so far this season.
While discussing the task of handling the forwards in training, Nathaniel Clyne told Liverpoolfc.com: “There is so much movement in our attacking players. Everyone is confident on the ball, everyone is very tricky – and it’s very difficult. You can see their quality in training and that quality pays off on a matchday.”
“It’s very difficult when you’re coming up against them in training.”
“Seeing it from where I am at the back and when I’m helping them in attack, it’s good to watch and hopefully it continues.”
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Clyne has grown into a crucial player under Klopp this season, becoming valuable to the way we defend as well as providing much needed width when the team goes forward.
Training against the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can do him no harm when it comes to improving on the way he maintains his shape, the way he defends against intricate link up play and the way he combats runs in behind.
Liverpool’s attacking force consists of every trait needed to not only trouble opposition defences but also to help our own back line strengthen.
Coming up against teammates in training seems to be working, with improvements to the team’s defensive work gradually becoming more visible by the week.