Jurgen Klopp delivered a ringing endorsement of Ben Davies when prompted on what the central defender will bring to Rangers.
The German coach was speaking at the press conference this afternoon ahead of tomorrow evening’s Champions League meeting Group A encounter, the first ever competitive game between Liverpool and Rangers.
The clubs completed some business in the Summer transfer window when Davies made the move to Glasgow, having failed to make the breakthrough in Klopp’s side. Despite that, he left a very good impression with his application and professionalism as evidenced by the glowing reference from his former boss.
Klopp said of the 27-year old:
“He’s a really good footballer. Good build-up, good footballer. In our situation, it didn’t work out for him here but that doesn’t make him a bad player, not at all. Ben is a good boy and that’s what Rangers wanted and that’s what they got.”
“They were looking for a left-footed centre half and they got it. He can play different systems, which is important, as Rangers have played one and a half games using five at the back in the Champions League.”
Balance
That versatility alluded to, will strengthen the Gers defensive unit. The team as a whole was much stronger and more balanced for his inclusion on Saturday against Hearts. He slotted in seamlessly between Connor Goldson and Borna Barisic, in what is likely to be a similar setup on Tuesday evening with another defender – Leon King or John Lundstram – making up a five-man defence.
Davies played the first half at Tynecastle but due to a yellow card, Gio van Bronckhorst opted to take no chances after the break, with James Sands coming on in his place.
Playing at Anfield for the first time competitively will be a bitter-sweet moment for Ben Davies, but for different reasons he will be fired up to show his very best.