Phillips responds to Klopp calling him 'one of the smartest players' he ever coached

Back in early December last year, Jurgen Klopp remarked that Nat Phillips is 'one of the smartest players' he's ever worked with.

"The smartest players? I'm not sure about that," Nat responded in an interview with Bournemouth's media team, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.

"I've come across a lot of players who are very smart, but it is high praise.

"I would say that I have improved huge amounts in the time that I've been working underneath him [Klopp] and he's a great coach and manager.

"Off the field, he is a great person to have behind you. I am very fortunate to have benefited from that relationship with him."

Phillips left Liverpool on the deadline day, joining Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season.