Signing Clyne should solve Liverpool’s problems at right-back

Liverpool have not had much luck with right-backs in the last few years.

In fairness, some of the signings at left-back, right wing, left wing, centre midfield and up front have caused a few grimaces too, but the full-back area has been especially unstable.

Since Jamie Carragher vacated the right-back role and was transformed into a centre-half by Rafael Benitez in 2004, no one has genuinely convinced in the position. The role has been occupied by an assortment of the overpriced, underwhelming and — in one case — the plain unlucky. Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers hope that is about to change with today’s confirmation of the £12.5million (S$26.4 million) purchase of Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton.

The 24-year-old is Liverpool’s fourth signing from Southampton in the past year after Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.

The plan is Liverpool have their No 2 sorted for the next eight seasons, with Clyne also the next in line to be the England full-back at the European Championships (presuming Roy Hodgson realises Phil Jones has offered nothing more than comedy value in the position during his recent international appearances).

Clyne appears to be a classical full-back, solid enough in defence with the athleticism to offer as much in attack. The similarities with Glen Johnson at the same stage of his career are obvious, but we must hope for more from Clyne as the outgoing right-back never lived up to his £18 million price tag.

Johnson was infuriating throughout his Liverpool career as a highly talented footballer whose main flaw was his propensity to make it seem he just happened to be good at the game rather than passionate about it. One can only hope Clyne has more of an edge than his gifted but easy-going predecessor.

Clyne’s crossing ability should also be an asset in the event of Liverpool signing Christian Benteke, although this would compel Rodgers to shift his ideals.

The Liverpool manager, lest we forget, sold Andy Carroll at the start of his reign because he did not intend building a side to play to his physical and aerial strengths. The combination of Clyne’s delivery from the right flank and Benteke’s headers would, at the very least, suggest a tweak although the Villa striker is evidently a more technically efficient and pacier player than Carroll.

At the very least, Rodgers’ regular pre-match migraine from last season — caused by ineffective signings such as Atletico Madrid loanee Javier Manquillo and Lazar Markovic — should be cured with the Clyne deal. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH