---
title: "Liverpool: Fans jokingly suggested Andy Lonergan could play outfield against Monterrey"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/liverpool-fans-jokingly-suggested-andy-lonergan-could-play-outfield-against-monterrey/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Liam Togher"
section: "Liverpool Football Club"
published: "2019-12-18T19:45:08Z"
modified: "2019-12-18T19:45:08Z"
---

# Liverpool: Fans jokingly suggested Andy Lonergan could play outfield against Monterrey

**Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp made some intriguing selections with his starting line-up and matchday squad for the Reds’ Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey this evening.**

As per [Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/monterrey-vs-liverpool/live/420736), Virgil van Dijk missed the game due to illness, with midfielder Jordan Henderson filling in at centre-back as [Dejan Lovren](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7789565/Dejan-Lovren-injury-leaves-Liverpool-two-fit-centre-backs.html) and [Joel Matip](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2019/12/its-not-exactly-how-we-wished-jurgen-klopps-latest-injury-update-on-joel-matip/)‘s injuries left the Reds short of options in the centre of defence.

Klopp also named two goalkeepers among the seven substitutes, with Adrian and Andy Lonergan on the bench at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. \[[via liverpoolfc.com](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/378807-confirmed-team-news-liverpool-monterrey)\]

The latter was [released by Middlesbrough](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48458657) only a few months ago before [joining up with Liverpool’s pre-season tour of USA](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/356613-andy-lonergan-to-join-liverpool-squad-for-usa-tour) in July due to a shortage of goalkeepers. He then [joined the Reds on a short-term contract](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/360357-andy-lonergan-liverpool-signing-contract-jurgen-klopp) in August following [Alisson’s calf injury](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49201578).

Lonergan had previously been on the bench for three games for the Reds but has yet to feature for the club competitively. \[[via TransferMarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/andy-lonergan/leistungsdaten/spieler/14044)\]

With [Liverpool’s bench against Monterrey](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/378807-confirmed-team-news-liverpool-monterrey) featuring no centre-backs or midfielders, these Reds fans on Twitter joked that the 36-year-old could be utilised as a makeshift outfield player this evening.

One Liverpool supporter cited the curious case of ex-Reds defender Steven Caulker, who was deployed as an auxiliary striker against [Arsenal, Manchester United](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3404819/Jurgen-Klopp-s-new-striker-Steven-Caulker-defender-signed-Queens-Park-Rangers-month.html) and [Norwich](https://www.lfchistory.net/Players/Player/Profile/1301) in January 2016:

> Lonergan is the new Steven Caulker!
>
> — PARAMATMAN S R (@Reds\_Indian) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/Reds_Indian/status/1207333553991585792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Obviously Lonergan is probably gonna come on to put a couple in the back of the net himself lol
>
> — Tyler Thayer (@Tyler18FC) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/Tyler18FC/status/1207337870639476736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> When Henderson goes off injured and Lonergan makes his debut at CB and becomes better than Van Dijk you will see
>
> — .. | | | | (@LFC11109) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/LFC11109/status/1207336709744218114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Lonergan to replace Origi to get us the winning goal.
>
> — Jay Alom (@jayalom\_) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/jayalom_/status/1207333861019000832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Lonergan in midfield when were up 4-0 plz
>
> — Patrick (@palexmc) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/palexmc/status/1207334619529527296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Andy Lonergan the go-to centre back option on the bench there.
>
> — Ben Twelves (@bm12s) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/bm12s/status/1207335538937794566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Can’t wait till Lonergan comes on at the back.
>
> — LFCthomas (@LFCTHOMASF) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/LFCTHOMASF/status/1207333800197447680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Lonergan as backup CB
>
> — Pam (@therealmrsAgger) [December 18, 2019](https://twitter.com/therealmrsAgger/status/1207344400059289600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

***Liverpool fans, were you surprised by Klopp’s team and squad selection this evening? Share your views in the comments section below!***