Kalvin Phillips had not had the best of outings in Manchester City’s previous couple of pre-season games – but the midfielder enjoyed a better performance against Barcelona.
Phillips featured in midfield against Celtic and AC Milan and drew criticism for his showings.
Against Celtic, he was getting caught too high up the pitch.
So ahead of the Barcelona games, Pep Guardiola came up with a new idea – and that was to play Phillips as a centre-back.
The player was seen working on defensive shape in a training session, which was seemingly a hint that he would play at the back against Barca. Josko Gvardiol was alongside side him, with Josh Wilson-Esbrand and Rico Lewis the full-backs.
Sure enough, this was the backline Pep went with – and Phillips managed to give a decent performance.
How Kalvin Phillips got on in surprise centre-back role for Man City against Barcelona
This was not a completely alien position for Phillips.
He had featured as a centre-back in his first pre-season at the club due to Pep not having any other options available at the time.
But the player has not played in the role since – until last night.
The reason Pep did this, is because Phillips struggles in the small spaces. Against Barcelona, Pep dropped him back and the former Leeds United man looked far more comfortable.
The game finished 2-2, with Barcelona then winning on penalties. Phillips missed his spot-kick, but gave an assured display in the match. He was good on the ball, completing 94/101 (93%) passes. He also won both of the duels he contested (Sofascore).
Phillips was also the game’s most involved player. He had 112 touches, with Lewis and Gvardiol next with 79 each.
The Manchester Evening News gave credit to Phillips in their player ratings piece. Giving him a 7/10, the publication said: “Under a lot of pressure having dropped into defence, and was a little wide for the Barcelona opener. But let’s be fair – he was calm under pressure, kept position well and almost scored at the other end.”
Fair play to Phillips
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Phillips deserves some credit for turning in this level of performance, given the scrutiny he has been under and the struggles he had in the last two pre-season matches.
It has felt as though people, especially rival fans, have been waiting on his next slip-up. But against Barcelona, he produced a solid enough performance, in an unfamiliar position. For that, he deserves credit.
It was a fascinating move from Guardiola to drop him back.
He clearly does not see any value in having Phillips in his midfield. So to move him back into the defence so that he would have less to think about in terms of his positioning was actually a smart move.
It is probably not likely we’ll be seeing this too many more times. If ever again. But if anything, at least it shows to other clubs that Phillips can operate in another position.
