Back in the 2020-21 season, an injury-ravaged Liverpool side looked to have had any top four hopes fully undermined by a defensive injury crisis untilthe shock emergence of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams was key to a late-season turnaround and Champions League qualification.
The two reserve centre halves, and perhaps Phillips in particular, established themselves as cult heroes in the process. Long-term, though, the reserve players were always long shots to continue in prominent roles, and Phillips has spent the subsequent seasons bouncing around on loan.
Finally, it appears he has found a permanent home, with the now 28-year-old rumoured to be on the verge of joining West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal. Any fee paid for Phillips by the Championship side, who finished ninth last season, is expected to be nominal.
Since his Liverpool breakout, Phillips has spent time at Bournemouth, Celtic, Cardiff, and most recently Derby County, whom he made 33 appearances for in the Championship last season in a role similar to the one he will now be expected to play at West Brom if the deal goes through.