---
title: "David James claims Nat Phillips could partner Virgil van Dijk"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/david-james-claims-nat-phillips-could-partner-virgil-van-dijk/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2021-05-20T18:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-05-20T18:00:00Z"
---

# David James claims Nat Phillips could partner Virgil van Dijk

Former [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/05/20/virals-reported-liverpool-target-pedro-goncalves-nets-sublime-hat-trick/) goalkeeper David James believes central defender [Nat Phillips](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/05/20/alan-shearer-hails-commanding-nat-phillips-performance/) could be the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk.

The 24-year-old was in inspired form for the Reds on Wednesday night as Jurgen Klopp’s side kept their top-four destiny in their own hands with a resounding [3-0 victory](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57082270) over Burnley.

Grabbing his first goal for the club before getting back on the line to complete a [remarkable goalline clearance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbDsqM3PyuA), the defender played a starring role once again.

Phillips has rather been thrust into the limelight this season having spent the majority of [last term on loan](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/406225-nat-phillips-interview-stuttgart-loan-unpredictability-and-future-plans) at German second-tier side Stuttgart.

Perhaps surprisingly to some, the colossus now referred to as the [‘Bolton Baresi’](https://www.football365.com/news/mailbox-liverpool-kabak-nat-phillips-arsenal-spurs-harry-kane) has stepped up to the plate on numerous occasions in recent weeks.

So much has Phillips impressed James, the ex-stopper has told [Stadium Astro](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6K8jLa9_hY) there’s a chance he might’ve usurped Joe Gomez in the pecking order.

> He’s not the most pretty on the eye, but he is a very strong defender. In his first appearance for Liverpool, he dominated Benteke with a header. He’s got everything you want in a defender. If you have someone like van Dijk, you have the experience and the speed to back him up. Nat Phillips and van Dijk would make a wonderful partnership.

James went one step further and stated that Phillips should indeed be the first choice partner to Van Dijk when he and Gomez [return](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/433002-gallery-virgil-van-dijk-and-joe-gomez-continue-fitness-rehab) to fitness.

In 16 Premier League outings, the [£4.5million valued](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/nathaniel-phillips/marktwertverlauf/spieler/371814) man has earned an outstanding average [Sofascore rating of 7.20](https://www.sofascore.com/player/nathaniel-phillips/920393).

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Whilst it can’t be denied Phillips has done better than anyone could’ve expected having started the season at around [fifth or sixth choice](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team) – to suddenly insert the Englishman ahead of Gomez may have some recency bias.

Capped [11 times](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-gomez/nationalmannschaft/spieler/256178/verein_id/3299) by England, Gomez is a remarkable player, which may have been forgotten in his absence, albeit with regular all [too regular injury problems](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joe-gomez/verletzungen/spieler/256178).

There is however a debate as to whether Phillips has done enough to earn a place among the defensive ranks next season, perhaps [bolstered further](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9506549/Liverpool-set-finalise-signing-Ibrahima-Konate-paying-30-5m-release-clause.html) by the signing of Ibrahima Konate.