‘Stronger’ Clyne looking to regain starting role

Nathaniel Clyne has declared himself “as fit as ever” as he looks to regain the starting right-back role from youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A back injury sustained 12 months ago sidelined Clyne for almost the entirety of the 2017/18 season, with promising duo Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez left to battle for his spot.

Alexander-Arnold ultimately saw off competition from his compatriot and made the position his own in the latter part of the campaign, starring in Liverpool’s Champions League run and earning a World Cup call-up.

The 19-year-old, who could return from his post-tournament holiday before fellow semi-finalists Jordan Henderson and Dejan Lovren, is expected to maintain his place in the first XI this season.

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But Clyne, who was virtually ever-present in Klopp’s first two seasons at the helm, has other ideas and is determined to return to the top of the pecking order.

“It feels good to be back on the field,” he told the official club website. “I’m feeling as fit as ever, I’m feeling stronger and I’m just ready to keep getting more minutes and prove that I’m good enough to get myself back in the team.

“All the players out there [want] to play and get themselves into that starting line-up for the first game of the season against West Ham United, and that’s what I’m trying to do and everyone is trying to do.”

Much is expected of Liverpool’s defence this season, significantly lifted by the January arrival of Virgil van Dijk and the recent addition of top-class goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

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Source: anfieldhq.com