Jon Flanagan's loan move to Burnley was seen as a credible switch for the full-back after missing the majority of the past two seasons through injury.

The England international joined the Clarets for the 2016/17 season but having only recently returned to full fitness, he's only recently become available to manager Sean Dyche.

The long-term knee injury suffered nearly two years ago has stalled the progression Flanagan was expected to make, and the move to Burnley is now considered a failure already, with many of the belief the defender should not have transferred to the Clarets for the season.

Flanagan first broke onto the scene impressively under Kenny Dalglish in 2011 and was instrumental to the Reds title challenging campaign of 2013/2014, but he's now struggling for game-time at Turf Moor.

Here are three reasons why Liverpool made a huge mistake in letting the youngster leave.

Poor left-back options

The Reds may sit near the summit of the Premier League table, but one issue that continues to arise for Klopp's men is the lack of options at left-back, with midfielder James Milner filling in for the seemingly untrusted Alberto Moreno.

Under Brendan Rodgers, Flanagan played the majority of his career at left-back due to the club's increasing options on the other side of defence.

Had Klopp maintained patience with Flanagan, the defender would be fit for selection and could solve the issue the club currently have on the left flank.

Lack of game-time at Burnley

Flanagan has started just one game for Burnley in the Premier League, but it's difficult to be critical of Sean Dyche for these decisions as his defensive unit remains one of the best in the league.

Matt Lowton and Stephen Ward cannot be faulted for their displays this campaign and Flanagan continues to remain sidelined due to the duo's impressive defensive performances.

Flanagan will not progress at Turf Moore unless he can somehow manage to squeeze himself into contention for the Clarets. That seems unlikely at the moment.

Burnley's style doesn't complement Flanagan

At Burnley, compact defending has become the fundamental factor for their success this campaign.

Indeed, Flanagan style of play is more suitable to Liverpool, who ensure their full-backs contribute to the attacking style loved by the Anfield faithful.

Flanagan is rarely featuring for the Clarets but when he does, it's always a ten-men-behind-the-ball, back-to-the-wall job.

Klopp should have remained patient with the Liverpudlian and ensured he gathered Liverpool's own style rather than adapting to another.

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