Luke Chambers has shared the message Andoni Iraola gave him before the 22-year-old stepped in at centre-back for Liverpool against Wrexham. The defender partnered Ifeanyi Ndukwe in the heart of defence during the Reds' 1-0 pre-season friendly win in New York, before being replaced by Mor Talla Ndiaye after Rio Ngumoha's 75th-minute winner.
Defensive shortages force change
Liverpool were already short at centre-back. Captain Virgil van Dijk started his pre-season back at the AXA Training Centre, Ibrahima Konate left at the end of his contract for Real Madrid, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet is being managed carefully after a dislocated shoulder. Giovanni Leoni is still recovering from an ACL injury suffered last September. The situation worsened when Joe Gomez was forced off after eight minutes in the opening friendly against Sunderland, leaving teenagers Ndukwe and Ndiaye as Iraola's only available natural centre-backs in the United States.
Iraola opted not to start the two youngsters together against Wrexham, instead turning to Chambers—a natural left-back who made four first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp—to play centrally.
Chambers unfazed by unfamiliar role
Chambers, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton Athletic, has previous limited experience at centre-back from stints at Wigan Athletic and Kilmarnock, as well as in Liverpool's academy. He was not daunted by the task.
“[Iraola] just said to play my game,” Chambers told the club. “He’s seen me in training, he knows what I’m like at left-back. I can read the game really well so I kind of take that into playing centre-back. So, just do what I normally do at left-back but just move it in a little bit.
“[It felt] really good. Obviously, much appreciated to the gaffer having the trust to put me in at left centre-back. It’s not my main position, but obviously when I get older and my career goes on, hopefully I can link more positions to my game. Playing centre-back is quite tough, especially against opposition that are a good Championship side. The strikers know what they’re doing so it’s about learning the little dark arts about the game. I thought I did well.”
Ambition for the season ahead
Chambers, praised by Iraola for his performance, is aiming to push on beyond Championship level this campaign. “I got my first taste of Championship minutes last year, so a base for tests like this and to show that I’m at this level,” he said. “Hopefully I can push on past that level. It’s just about showing myself and showcasing what I can do in my skillset. Last year was really good for me.”
