Jürgen Klopp calls up 'Rolls-Royce' defender for training ahead of Liverpool vs Tottenham
While the wait for Arne Slot to be confirmed as the club’s new head coach goes on, Jürgen Klopp will be aiming to end his tenure on a high during his final weeks in charge.
The German has just three more games before he bids farewell to Anfield, starting with this weekend’s visit of Tottenham. With his side now all but out of the running for the Premier League title, the Reds will be hoping to salvage some pride following recent disappointing showings.
Cameras have been back at the AXA Training Centre this week ahead of Sunday’s game to catch the players in training. Much of the focus has been on Mohamed Salah, and how the Egyptian would react following his heated exchange with Klopp at West Ham last weekend.
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The 31-year-old seemed to be in good spirits as he prepared for the visit of Spurs, no doubt aiming to earn a place back in the starting line-up. Salah though wasn’t the only player to catch the eye in training.
A somewhat unfamiliar face was also in attendance. Among the academy stars called up by Klopp was young defender Amara Nallo.
The 17-year-old has been with Liverpool since signing from West Ham last summer. Since arriving on Merseyside, Nallo has made 21 appearances for the Reds at youth level, including 16 for the Under-21s.
He has been called up to the senior squad twice before, having made the bench against Manchester City in the league and Southampton in the FA Cup. He is yet to make his senior debut, although the final weeks of the season could provide him with an opportunity.
Described by the club’s website as a “strong left-sided defender who is comfortable bringing the ball out from the back,” Nallo will be aiming to become the latest youngster to handed a first-team chance by Klopp. Carlton Cole, who was West Ham’s U16 coach at the time of Nallo’s move to Liverpool, has already told the Reds what to expect.
“I would describe Amara as a Rolls-Royce of a center-back,” Cole told West Ham’s website in May last year. “He has a great left foot and is elegant when he moves with the ball.
“He can play the ball with both feet and has been working on his heading as well. He’s a player who has a high ceiling.”
Liverpool.com says: It will be interesting to see whether Nallo gets his chance over these final few games. Clearly, there are other players ahead of him in the pecking order, but with Champions League qualification now secured, it could be a good time to give him his opportunity from the bench.