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Nathaniel Clyne says he has embraced the increased demands of being a full-back at Liverpool.

The England international admits what’s expected of him under Jurgen Klopp is very different to his role when he played for either Crystal Palace or Southampton.

Clyne doesn’t just have a licence to attack for the Reds, it’s a necessity as Klopp looks to his full-backs to provide the width.

“Klopp is more demanding of me to get forward and help out in attack,” Clyne said.

“He likes his full-backs to join in with play whenever they can, and also be solid defensively so it helps my game.

“It has changed. When I first started the game, it was more about defending – coming up against your winger and trying to stop him, and being close to your centre-back.

“Nowadays, it has changed, it is more demanding for a full-back.

“They want you to get up and down the line very quickly and also help out in attack, almost becoming wingers really.

“Nowadays, wingers are coming inside and want to play more inside. It gives licence to the full-back to have the whole line.”

Liverpool were frustrated by last weekend’s 0-0 draw against Clyne’s former club Southampton.

But the Reds could reflect on a rock-solid defensive display as Saints didn’t have a single shot on target. Clyne is keen to ensure Sunderland are shutout in the same kind of manner at Anfield on Saturday.

“We have been solid of late and not giving the opponents any chances to get a shot at goal and keeping it strong at the back,” he told Liverpoolfc.com

“Also, credit to the forward players who are pressing really hard at the very top end of the pitch, which stops them creating any chances.

“Our total dominance of the football match is helping us defensively in the games.”

Those defensive qualities are tested every day on the training field at Melwood as Clyne tries to halt the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

“It’s very difficult when you’re coming up against them in training,” he added.

“There is so much movement in our attacking players. Everyone is confident on the ball, everyone is very tricky and it’s very difficult. You can see their quality in training and that quality pays off on a matchday.

“Seeing it from where I am at the back and when I’m helping them in attack, it’s good to watch and hopefully it continues.”