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How times have changed for Nathaniel Clyne.

Two years ago this week he was starting for England against Spain at Wembley. The Liverpool right-back was first choice for both club and country.

Initially, Clyne was a model of consistency following his £12million move to Anfield from Southampton in the summer of 2015.

He was the Reds' steady Eddie. Rarely eye-catching but a safe pair of hands and low maintenance.

During his first season at Liverpool he clocked up 52 appearances and another 41 followed in 2016/17 when he missed just one Premier League match.

However, since then his fortunes have nosedived. A back injury suffered in July 2017 ultimately required surgery and after making his comeback for Liverpool Under-23s last February, he failed to win his place back.

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In Clyne's absence, opportunity knocked for Trent Alexander-Arnold and the Academy graduate grasped his chance in thrilling fashion.

Clyne played just five matches for the Reds last term and was an unused substitute for the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kiev.

Six months on, he remains in the role as back-up. He's been stuck on 99 appearances for Liverpool since he played in the League Cup tie against Chelsea at Anfield in September.

That remains his only senior outing so far this season. He hasn't graced the Premier League and hasn't even made the bench since the opening weekend win over West Ham.

At the age of 27, Clyne should be in his prime but his prospects at Anfield look bleak. It's difficult to see a way back for him.

The reality is that the bar has been raised at Liverpool over the course of Jurgen Klopp's tenure and Clyne no longer fits the bill.

The manager summed it up well when talking about Clyne's return to fitness back in February.

"Clyney has speed, technically good, he is not really an offensive player, but he protects well and helps a lot in defensive moments," Klopp said.

He simply doesn't offer enough going forward. Since joining Liverpool as Glen Johnson's replacement he has only contributed a grand total of three assists in the Premier League. He's solid but limited.

Alexander-Arnold, who enjoyed the perfect boost to his confidence levels with a first England goal against the USA on Thursday night, is simply a more dynamic, productive full-back and a better fit for what Klopp demands in that position.

(Image: PA)

When the Reds boss has given Alexander-Arnold a breather, he has opted to play Joe Gomez at right-back rather than Clyne. Fabinho is also an option there.

Clyne hasn't added to his 14 England caps since he faced Spain in November 2016. While Alexander-Arnold was lighting up Wembley, Clyne was among Klopp's non-internationals who were given this week off.

The London-born defender, whose contract runs until 2020, has much to ponder as he looks to get his career back on track.

Whether it's in January or next summer, a move away from Anfield looks increasingly likely.

Do you think Nathaniel Clyne's Liverpool career is over or does he deserve a recall? Let us know in the comments section below