In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League striker Darren Bent urged Liverpool to secure the services of Leeds United midfield ace Kalvin Phillips this summer. When asked about whether a potential move to Liverpool makes sense for Phillips, Bent said (via Football Insider), “Listen, if that move comes about and it’s there on the table, you’ve got to take it.
“How much he’d play, I don’t know but people are talking about Fabinho and his fitness, how he only plays 60 or 70 minutes and then he blows up a little bit.
“It would be good for Kalvin Phillips. He’d go there, learn his trade, watch Fabinho and these type of players to see how they do it. Ability-wise, he’s as good as anyone in that role.
“He’s got energy, passing, technically, he’s a top, top player. There was talk of him getting into the England squad before lockdown. People rate him very highly and if the opportunity’s there for him, he’s got to take it.
“It’s a bit of tough one, we’re saying he’s got to prove himself in the Premier League but if one of the top, if not the top Premier League side wants him, it’s a bit hard to say no!”
Phillips’ Incredible Form At Elland Road Over The Past 18 Months
Phillips has firmly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the EFL Championship after performing at a high level at the heart of Marcelo Bielsa’s midfield. He came through the youth ranks of the West Yorkshire club before finally breaking out as a first-team starter back in 2015. The Leeds-born talent has gone on to feature in 175 matches for his hometown club, registering 11 goals and ten assists in all competitions.
Bielsa has successfully managed to get the best out of Phillips and has transformed him into a consistent performer in the English second division. He caught the eye with some stellar performances in the previous campaign which ultimately ended with Leeds missing out a promotion despite being top of the Championship table for a long time.
Phillips has continued to flourish after maintaining his high standards this season. He has scored one goal and provided two assists in 34 matches for the Whites this term on all fronts. More importantly, the English midfield ace has averaged 2.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 clearances and 1.9 key passes in every 90 minutes of league football which highlights his growing influence at both ends of the field (stats via whoscored). His incredible contributions had helped Leeds climb to the top of the league standings before the football world came to a standstill as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The English Workhorse Bring To Anfield?
Phillips usually sits deep inside his own half and can read the game well which allows him to make some crucial interceptions for his side. He is a competent defender and can even fill in as a makeshift centre-back if required. The English playmaker is also not shy about clearing his lines whenever his teammates are left exposed at the back. He has also proven himself to be a decent distributor of the ball after completing 81.6% of his attempted passes in the English Championship this season (stats via whoscored).
However, the jury is still out on whether Phillips can perform at such a high level in the Premier League, which is known for its competitiveness and high intensity. He is still unproven at the highest level which makes him a gamble for a club of Liverpool’s stature. At the same time, Jurgen Klopp can benefit from adding him to his squad as he will not only add more depth but also provide some healthy competition for Fabinho at Anfield.
Plus, Phillips’ versatility, coupled with his defensive prowess, make him a sensible option for the Reds to consider before the start of the new campaign. If he is available for the right price, there is no reason why the Merseyside club should not consider orchestrating a move to bring to the talented midfield ace to the north-west of England this summer. Klopp will also be able to tweak his formations and tactics more often if he can land the Leeds United star in the coming months.
