Andy Townsend says Manchester City have a player who has to sign for a Championship club to revitalise his career.
Such a claim cannot be made about too many, if any City player, considering a majority of them are at the top of their game and belong amongst the upper echelon of world football.
Some might suggest Sergio Gomez to be the kind of player to thrive if he made a step down to the Championship.
But that would perhaps be harsh, considering Gomez could perhaps thrive elsewhere in the Premier League, especially if he was deployed in either of his natural positions in either midfield or out wide.
Andy Townsend says Kalvin Phillips has to make Leeds return to save his career
Others might suggest that a move to the Championship, either on loan or permanently could aid youngsters like Rico Lewis and Oscar Bobb.
However, the pair have shown enough times that they are ready to play in the Premier League and could become starters for City one day.
But Andy Townsend has suggested Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips to head to Leeds United to rescue his stagnating career.
“I can only see a return to Leeds the only way for him to possibly find something sort of peace inside and to be comfortable in his surroundings and to be loved again”, he said on talkSPORT.
Townsend continued, “Listen, that’s probably what he needs more than anything. It wasn’t long ago where he was wearing the white of Leeds United when everyone was seeing this boy and thinking, ‘Wow. What a player this kid is. He’s terrific. Gets across the ground, he can pass, he’s going to be an asset to any team.’ And now, it looks like he’s gone, completely gone and hollowed out almost.”
Andy Townsend is certainly correct about the former Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips’ form at West Ham United.
On the weekend, Phillips came on as a substitute for the Hammers and conceded a penalty, which led to Isak scoring the equaliser for Newcastle as they eventually came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3.
Kalvin Phillips might have to take the pundit’s advice on board
In our view, Andy Townsend makes a fair point about Kalvin Phillips returning to Leeds.
It seems unlikely that many Premier League clubs would wish to take a punt on signing him after how poorly his loan stint at West Ham has gone.
While at City, it is safe to say that Phillips’ time is all but over as he has done nothing to improve his reputation, which has plummeted further at the London Stadium.
Considering Kalvin Phillips is a Leeds legend, a return to his boyhood club would help him regain his confidence as he is playing in familiar surroundings and in front of the Elland Road faithful once again, who seemingly adored him during his time at the club.
Sometimes, taking a step back is important for a player to get their career back on track.
Besides, Leeds are second in the Championship and if they get promoted and Phillips returns, he could continue playing Premier League football next season.
