Liverpool star eager to win back starting place

Liverpool star eager to win back starting place

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne has admitted he wants to reclaim his starting spot at right-back for both club and country, after injury saw him make just five appearances during the 2017/18 season and lose his place to youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 27-year-old suffered with a back problem which severely limited his game time, allowing Alexander-Arnold the opportunity to shine in his place, something the youngster certainly did.

It means that Clyne, who has been one of the Premier League’s best full-backs over the years, will go into next season as second choice right-back for Liverpool.

However, when speaking to Goal, Clyne was full of praise for Alexander-Arnold, but insisted he is eager to challenge him for his place in the team once again.

“I can remember when he first stepped up from the U23s to the first team. Straight away in training you could see his potential.

“He’s had his chance this season, and he’s taken it very well. He’s a very confident player, good on the ball. He’s impressive.

“He’s passed all the tests that have come his way, and I’m sure if he’s given a chance in the World Cup he will do really well.

“Since I’ve been injured, I’ve watched how Liverpool have done well and how England have done well, and that’s given me extra incentive. It’s a big motivation.

“Like I say, I’m fully fit now, and I can’t wait to come back and show how good I am again!”

Clyne also spoke about how difficult it had been for him spending the majority of the season on the treatment table, saying it was a frustrating road back to fitness.

“They were tough times. It was difficult, for sure.

“To be out for so long is frustrating, and the fact that it came during pre-season probably made it even worse. Then to eventually have to have surgery, that was another setback, it was tough.

“You’re there, and the players are all going out to train while you’re off to the gym or the physio room, day after day. You’re on the bike or whatever, and that’s all you can do. It does affect you.

“When I came back it was the business end of the season, the games were big and had a lot riding on them, so to have to go straight in was a test for me.

“But it was important for me to get a few minutes under my belt, get a taste for it again and set me up to go again in pre-season.

“I’ve worked hard to get my fitness back, and I can feel the benefits. I’ve been working hard, the club gives us regimes to follow even during the off-season, so that we keep ticking over.

“I probably need that more than others because I’ve been out so long, so I’ve already been doing bits.

“I feel as fit as ever and I’m already looking forward to the start of pre-season. It’s about proving to people now that I’m back and I’m as good as ever.”