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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ricky Charlesworth

Liverpool loanee Nat Phillips spearheading Bournemouth's return to Premier League

Liverpool's bid for an unprecedented quadruple remains on course.

Saturday saw Jurgen Klopp's side seal an edgy 1-0 win over Newcastle United as they stay on the coat-tails of leaders Manchester City. Attention now turns to the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Villarreal, with the Reds' holding a healthy 2-0 advantage, whilst an FA Cup final against Chelsea is also on the agenda later this month.

But what about those players away from Anfield? A cluster of stars were sent out on loan to sides in the EFL either at the start of the season or in January.

Here we look at how they got on over the weekend.

Nat Phillips

Centre-half Phillips played a vital role as Bournemouth maintained their hopes of a Premier League return.

The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Scott Parker's side overcame Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at Ewood Park. Many regular Bournemouth onlookers claim it was Phillips' best performance in a Cherries' shirt.

Despite being booked in the third minute, the centre-back was largely faultless afterwards. He put in four clearances and made two blocks from goal-bound shots to limit the home side.

He also played an important role in starting attacks. Bournemouth now welcome third-placed Nottingham Forest on Tuesday in a huge promotion decider. If he can help Parker's side to another win it will seal a memorable promotion.

Neco Williams

Defender Williams will be hoping to help Fulham seal the Championship title on Monday when they host Luton Town.

Victory for Marco Silva's side would be enough to confirm top spot. They will also be crowned champions even if they lose and Bournemouth drop points against Forest on Tuesday.

Ben Davies

For the third game in succession centre-half Davies was an unused substitute for Sheffield United. The Blades sealed a vital come-from-behind 3-1 win away at Queens Park Rangers on Friday night. The win strengthened their grip on sixth place, with the fight to secure a play-off spot set to go to the final day of the season.

Davies, 26, joined Liverpool as a surprise addition in early 2021 but has yet to make a senior appearance for them. His future at Anfield is far from certain with the likelihood of him breaking into the first team extremely low.

Sepp van den Berg

The Dutchman played his part in helping Preston North End seal a fine 3-1 win at already-relegated Barnsley on Saturday.

His biggest contribution was his role in the third goal for the Lilywhites. He produced a delicate, lofted chip that fell right into the path of the onrushing Emil Riis Jakobsen who finished with aplomb. van den Berg also recorded 94 touches - the joint-highest total of anyone on the pitch - and made three vital interceptions and a tackle.

The 20-year-old will be aiming for his 50th outing of the season when North End wrap up their campaign at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Sheyi Ojo

Once again winger Ojo missed out for Millwall, as they ensured their unlikely push for a play-off spot will go down to the final day.

The Lions beat Peterborough 3-0 and now need another win on the last day as well as a series of other results to go in their favour if they are to sneak into the top-six. Ojo, who recently returned from a lengthy spell out injured, missed out on the 18-man squad.

Millwall boss Gary Rowett said: “Sheyi’s been really unlucky. He came in, had a good impact, got injured and we had to bring other players in. I’m at the point where I have to pick the player that I think are going to have the most impact late in the season. Unfortunately, Sheyi missed out today. But he’s a good player and I’m sure he’ll show that in the next few seasons.”

Jake Cain

Midfielder Cain will likely be in Newport's squad for their Bank Holiday Monday trip to promotion-chasing Port Vale. He has made 23 appearances so far in League Two, starting 15 times.

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