One local media outlet has given its verdict on Kalvin Phillips following his performance for Manchester City against Celtic.
The midfielder played in the first-half of last night’s 4-3 defeat to the Scottish giants.
City got off to a losing start in North Carolina which will be a disappointment to Pep Guardiola. But ultimately, it isn’t much about results at this stage, and there were still plenty of positive signs last night.
Oscar Bobb has come in for high praise for his electric performance.
Rico Lewis also really impressed.
But one man who struggled to make an impression was Kalvin Phillips, whose hopes of returning to City for 2024/25 and playing a part may have take a big hit last night.
Kalvin Phillips struggles for Man City in 4-3 pre-season defeat to Celtic as positioning comes under fire
Phillips is back with City for pre-season after he struggled out on loan last term.
The midfielder went to West Ham United in the hope of turning things around, but turned in a number of poor performances.
Phillips was given a chance to show what he can do last night and sadly, it seemed to be more of the same from the former Leeds United man.
In their report of the game, the Manchester Evening News noted how Phillips struggled with his positioning. After putting Stefan Ortega under pressure in the first minute of the game, he got caught too high up the pitch.
Josh Wilson-Esbrand ‘couldn’t work out where to be’ and Kuhn scored a second. Guardiola was said to be ‘furious’ on the touchline, waving and gesturing and pointing at his midfield.
The MEN go on to say that Phillips could have been ‘making his situation worse’. He was ‘yards off the play’ and ‘pushing far too high’, as Kyogo then collected a ball over the two centre-backs before finishing for Celtic’s third.
Phillips was given a 4/10 for his display by the publication in their player ratings article.
Despite their criticism, Pep Guardiola did say he ‘made a really good first-half’.
Phillips must leave and rebuild
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So Phillips could not make the most of his opportunity against Celtic and his performance last night reinforces the idea that he needs to leave the club permanently and start afresh.
It has been a very disappointing couple of years for the player.
His £45 million transfer from Leeds United just has not worked out, and City are now best off cutting their losses, as it doesn’t look like he’ll ever be the cover and competition Pep needs for Rodri.
Phillips is by many accounts a great person. And he has not become a ‘bad’ player. He just hasn’t suited City and it has been clear that his confidence has taken a major hit.
It would be best for all parties to admit the transfer hasn’t worked, and for City to sell the player.
