Wolves are the perfect side to test new axis
Liverpool takes on Wolves on Monday, and they’re the perfect side to test Jurgen Klopp’s new defensive axis.
Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak were excellent at the back as the Reds beat Leipzig 2-0, earning their first clean sheet in the process.
This allowed Fabinho to play as a defensive midfielder, which meant Thiago could move further forward and impact play closer to the German side’s goals.
Liverpool must keep the same back four
Thiago looked a lot better as he was allowed space to dictate the play, Fabinho looked a lot better as he was back in his natural position and could make interceptions, tackles and start attacks with more fluidity.
Not only that, but Fabinho as a defensive midfielder meant that Phillips and Kabak were afforded more protection and that’s good for the inexperienced pair.
The matched showed more important having the Brazilian in that area is, and that should be replicated in a Premier League stress-test against Wolves.
Nuno Santos’s side would be a good starting point. The Midlands side has not been in the best form this season as their dangermen have been injured or are lacking form.
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The horrific head injury Raul Jimenez sustained really robbed them of a focal point and the man who makes their attack click. Wolves have only scored five goals in their last five Premier League fixtures.
If Phillips, who was brilliant against Leipzig, was considered to be good enough to start one of the most important games of the season, then he should be considered good enough to start against Wolves in the Premier League.
The Reds could do with fielding some continuity in their backline. Kabak and Phillips appear to be the preferred pair, so they should be played together as much as possible so they build the bonds required to form a successful defence.
Klopp may be tempted to play Fabinho at the back on Monday, but he should resist the urge.