Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders says Nat Phillips is a great example for his teammates to follow.

Lijnders has highlighted the mentality of Phillips while praising the impact of Ozan Kabak at Anfield.

"Nathaniel is an example where determination and respect can bring you, and an example of how collectively this team and staff is working," Lijnders said.

"He puts his head where other players don't put their feet. He has a heart like a lion. Probably if I need to survive in a jungle, the first two people I'd choose are Nathaniel and Millie!

"Ozan is a big talent, so much progression is still possible. He adapted fantastically inside our club from a context like Schalke and had an immediate impact with Liverpool FC."

Phillips has stepped up impressively this season when called upon, having looked to be heading for the exit door last summer after returning from a successful loan spell with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga 2.

"That's absolutely true," Lijnders told the club's official website when asked if Phillips' story is something everyone can learn from.

"It's not the first time this will happen in our club and not the last, for sure. The passion, the ambition, the love for the game will always make or break you.

"Luckily, we have many stories like that already. The willpower and character was the base of many of our boys to win with us. That gives me confidence that we will be back."