LIVERPOOL captain Jordan Henderson believes Cherries is the "perfect" place for Nat Phillips to continue his development, adding: "It’s impossible to understate the contribution he made last season."

Phillips completed his loan move to Cherries from the Reds on transfer deadline day earlier this week.

He could make his debut in the FA Cup against Boreham Wood this evening (6.30pm).

The 24-year-old was linked with a host of Premier League clubs during the transfer window, after finding game-time hard to come by at Liverpool this season.

But he instead opted for a move to the Championship with Scott Parker's Cherries.

Discussing Phillips's departure, as well as that of Neco Williams to join Fulham on loan, Liverpool and England star Henderson told the Reds' matchday programme: “Nat Phillips and Neco Williams have been valued members of our squad and both have played a big role on the pitch already this campaign. They are both also extremely popular in the dressing room, so we will definitely miss them.

“But I couldn’t be happier for both of them that they’ve joined great clubs, with terrific managers – so I’m really excited to see how they kick on and progress between now and the end of the season.

“There has been speculation around Nat since the summer, so I can imagine it’s been hard for him to deal with that at times, but he’s conducted himself superbly.

“He’s a brilliant professional. It’s clear from the cult status he has with our supporters that people see Nat as a great guy… and when you get a chance to know him personally you realise he’s even better!

“It’s impossible to understate the contribution he made last season in helping us secure Champions League football during the most challenging of circumstances for the club. He deserves to be playing regularly and this loan will undoubtedly help with that."

Henderson continued: “I don’t know what went on behind the scenes, but it looks and sounds like there was Premier League interest as well. No question he belongs at this level by the way, but I think Bournemouth is perfect for a lot of reasons.

“Scott Parker comes across as a superb manager. Adam Lallana, although at Brighton as a player, has close connections to Bournemouth as a club and he says it is the perfect place for Nat at this moment, so that will do for me.

"Bournemouth and Fulham are fortunate to have two outstanding players and top lads.”

Bolton-born Phillips joined Liverpool's academy in 2016.

After a season out on loan at VfB Stuttgart, the centre-back was suddenly thrust into action for the Reds during the 2020-21 campaign.

Following serious injuries to first-choice pair Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Phillips played a key role for Liverpool last season.

He made 20 appearances across both the Premier League and Champions League, even bagging a goal in a victory over Burnley.

But, with players returning to fitness, Phillips find game-time hard to come by. He has only played three times for Liverpool this season, the last of which came in a 2-1 victory against AC Milan at San Siro in December.