Liverpool fans have drawn comparisons between Nat Phillips and Harry Maguire after the defender’s imperious display against Burnley.

The Reds’ centre-back was named Sky Sports man of the match after a dominant display which saw him score his first goal for the club and register a clean sheet.

After a shaky start, Phillips commanded his penalty area phenomenally alongside Rhys Williams amid a tirade of aerial bombardment from Burnley, which saw the centre-back clear the ball off the line at a crucial moment of the game.

To cap off a fine performance, the Bolton-born defender headed home from a Sadio Mane cross to double Liverpool’s lead at Turf Moor, before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted their third.

The win moves Jurgen Klopp ‘s side up to fourth in the table, ahead of Leicester City on goal difference, knowing victory over Crystal Palace on the final day will all but guarantee their place in next season’s Champions League.

Phillips impressive rise to prominence and dominance in the air has left Liverpool fans drawing comparisons with Manchester United’s Maguire, who, of course, cost £80million.

Speaking after the match, Phillips said: “Massive. The most important thing, we’re up into fourth, that was our goal coming here today, all the rest of it is added bonuses. At this point in the season, it doesn’t matter about how we win games, it’s about getting the three points – that’s all what matters.

“Obviously the pressure’s on, there’s no room for inconsistency, we know we have to win every game. We’ve had to take it up a level and make sure that we perform consistently and if not, at least grinding results out.

“It was a really tough and physical game, one of the toughest I’ve had all season, so credit to Burnley, they made it difficult for us. It was nice to see we managed to score three goals and take our chances, which is something we had struggled with throughout the season a bit.”