Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been criticized by Tim Sherwood for his decision to let Nathaniel Clyne leave on load but this is why Klopp was right.
Sherwood was doing some work for Sky Sports when the subject of Clyne popped up. As we all know, Klopp let the right-back leave Anfield for a loan deal with Bournemouth.
When the news came through that this deal had been agreed, there were a few raised eyebrows and cautious mutterings about a lack of squad depth in that position.
And then the worst thing happened.
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Trent Alexander-Arnold picked up the injury that people had been concerned about, Joe Gomez was already out, James Milner banned and Rafa Camacho not considered ready to start a Premier League game in an unfamiliar position.
Fabinho was forced to play at right-back, and that may or may not have robbed Liverpool of some bite in midfield – but the squad should still be good enough to beat Leicester or West Ham (when Milner was picked in defence).
But for Sherwood to slam Klopp, or other fans to shout from the rooftops that Clyne shouldn’t have been allowed to leave – consider this.
Clyne wasn’t anywhere near the first team while Alexander-Arnold was fit, and even when he was injured Milner was picked there first.
The gaffer wants his full-backs to get up the field and attack. He wants them do be able to make a difference at both ends of the pitch, and Clyne couldn’t do that.
Alexander-Arnold has three assists and one goal this season, with seven and four in his entire Liverpool career. To put that in to context, Clyne has just 10 from his career total 175 Premier League games.
The former Southampton man couldn’t perform the role that Klopp wanted, and the German was clearly confident he had enough options from around the squad to do so.