Liverpool defender Nat Phillips has recalled the support he received last season from James Milner and Thiago Alcantara.
Phillips admits the praise he received from both senior players lifted his confidence.
“Milly said to me when there was a headed goal (against Leeds), 'You'd have headed that away'. For him to say that to me, that was a moment when I thought, ; Wow' and felt so proud," he recalled to the Liverpool Echo.
“For someone like James Milner to say that, that they missed having me in the team, was a huge moment for me. You look at what he has done in the game, the levels he's reached, the trophies he's won and just how respected it is.
“For him to say something like that was a huge compliment for me.
“Thiago would, on a few occasions, make a point of offering me praise in certain moments. Going out of his way after a goal to come over to me and say that that was from my header or my tackle. Gini did it as well.
“The manager, after games, would say how happy he was with me. He placed his trust in me and played me. Those moments where people who have achieved so much in the game and are so respected in the game, are offering that praise and advice, it's really nice to hear and it's quite a big moment.
“Especially when you're playing in the team and part of the team, it means something then.
“If you were performing poorly or letting the side down, the things these guys are trying to achieve, they'd have let you know about. To know they weren't just saying it and they actually meant it was nice to hear."
