LFC Transfer Watch: Is Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne the Replacement for Glen Johnson?

Over the course of the 2013/2014 season, Liverpool FC was rebuilt from the ground up, finishing second and getting back into the Champions League. The stars of Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, and others shone bright, but all throughout the season, there was an elephant in the room that had to be addressed. This elephant was Glen Johnson, who no longer really contributed to the club’s success. Whether it was lazy defending, not tracking back, or lack of urgency, Johnson made it clear that his best days were behind him and that Liverpool had to look for a new right back to replace him as first choice. The man that we have been linked to as of late has been Nathaniel Clyne.

A product of the Crystal Palace academy, Nathaniel Clyne first stood out in 2009, when he won the club’s Young Player of the Year award. He would do so again twice before winning the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award in 2011. He was also a part of the 2011/2012 Championship PFA Team of the Year. Clyne made 137 appearances for Crystal Palace. During that time, he scored 1 goal, gave 7 assists, and only received 13 yellow cards. In 2012, Clyne moved to Southampton, quickly becoming a first team regular for the Saints. In the past two years with the club, he has made 63 appearances with 8 assists and 2 goals. Most likely, his tally would have gone up this season, but he was forced out of action for a few weeks thanks to a hamstring injury that continued to bother Clyne until the end.

Although Clyne does not have any European experience, the young right back has appeared for the England U-19 and U-21 squads in the past. Clyne’s main weaknesses come in the air and in retaining possession. According to WhoScored.com, he only wins an average of 0.4 aerial duels per game and has a pass success percentage of 81.5%, lower than Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan. Although is said that Clyne is rated at £15m by the Saints, one would think that he is worth investing in. He is only 23 and is always improving. Clyne would also fit the Brendan Rodgers style of player as he has plenty of pace and can play as a wing back, but also as a full back on either wing.

What do you think of Nathaniel Clyne? Leave your thoughts below.