Carra channels The Smiths as trio laud Liverpool hero

Nat Phillips scored and produced a dominant defensive display as Liverpool took a huge step towards Champions League qualification on Wednesday, and the pundits were effusive in their praise.

Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Phillips on the scoresheet as Liverpool climbed above Leicester heading into the final game of the season.

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The Reds host Crystal Palace and Leicester welcome Spurs on Sunday and last year’s Premier League champions need only equal the result of their rival to qualify for the Champions League.

Should both Liverpool and Leicester win and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea fail to beat Aston Villa at Villa Park, it could be the Blues who slip to fifth and miss out.

Jurgen Klopp’s side looked down and out two months or so ago, but a nine-game unbeaten run has them on the verge of a stunning turnaround.

Phillips has played a major role in the upturn and Jamie Carragher, Alan Shearer and Jamie Redknapp all waxed lyrical over the defender after the game.

Carragher, channelling The Smiths, told CBS Sports: “If a double decker bus came into the box Nat Phillips would head it away.”

There was no mention of a ten-tonne truck.

Shearer told Match of the Day: “It was a bit of a tricky start for Nat Phillips, but after that, once he settled down, he was the best player on the park.  He was commanding, did everything he had to do very well.”

And Jamie Redknapp claims his story is “what dreams are made of”.

“Phillips had an unbelievable time, really good header, he reads it so well, I am delighted for him,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.

“I love stories like this. He was on loan last year, and probably thought he had no chance in the first-team with (Joe) Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, but it is what dreams are made of.

“He is a throwback defender. Today they look pretty, come out with blocks. Phillips wants to make tackles. He made one versus United, he knows his limitations, but he keeps it simple and does the basics. He can do a great job.

“Right now he is in dreamland, he has proved to himself that he can play at this level.

“Chris Wood is a handful. If he was playing with Van Dijk it would be easier. It’s not easy playing with inexperience, but they have got Liverpool back into the top four, and they should be proud of themselves.”