Gary Lineker and Micah Richards have been speaking about Kalvin Phillips as he prepares for his first start of the season at Manchester City.
The 35-year-old and the 62-year-old were speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast.
So, what was said about Kalvin Phillips? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Richards revealed that he is desperate to see the Manchester City No.4 take his opportunity in the starting XI after Rodri picked up a three-game ban, after getting sent off in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Lineker added that he spotted the interaction between Phillips and Pep Guardiola during Saturday’s win just as the England international was about to come on, and found the exchange to be an “interesting” one.
Richards said: “I hope he takes it, I really do. I want him to succeed so much, but he’s got to take it now. This is his chance.”
Lineker added: “You’ve got to feel for him a bit. He’s hardly had a look in. It was interesting when Pep put him on, he really gave him a hug and said, right, this is your opportunity.”
Clearly, the 52-year-old was keen to show his No.4 a lot of support, as he prepares to throw him in straight at the deep end after just 52 minutes of action so far this season.
Guardiola has often been vocal about his admiration for Phillips, describing the £45m man as a “really important” player in his press conference on Tuesday.
The Spaniard is quoted by the Manchester Evening News as saying: “Yeah of course, but not just this week for many, many times since he arrived, he’s been really important.”
Huge week for Kalvin Phillips at Manchester City
It goes without saying that this week could make or break Phillips’ career at the Etihad Stadium.
One football agent told The Athletic that they think the 27-year-old will leave Manchester City in January, and we would expect that to happen too if he cannot grasp his chance this week.
Guardiola has already signed Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to add further competition to the midfield department, and Rodri’s immense fitness record means Phillips rarely gets a chance to start.
Therefore, the Yorkshire Pirlo – as Leeds United fans nicknamed him – must shine against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, or it could be the beginning of the end for him in Manchester.
