Kalvin Phillips completed a loan move to West Ham United last week – and the star has already made an impression on one of his new teammates.
Phillips signed for the Hammers on loan until the end of the season, after struggling for game time at the Etihad Stadium. West Ham reportedly have the chance to buy him in the summer for around £34 million.
Despite there being opportunities for him to play, like when Rodri was suspended, Pep Guardiola was still reluctant to use the former Leeds United man.
Phillips was always expected to depart in this window, and West Ham managed to beat several teams to his signature.
It’s a good opportunity for Phillips – and it sounds like he’s already making an impression…
Danny Ings raves about Kalvin Phillips’ passing with loanee from Manchester City making good early impression
Phillips’ stint at Manchester City just didn’t work out, unfortunately.
Guardiola only really felt comfortable using Phillips once games had been wrapped up, and there was just something missing with him for the Spaniard.
Phillips has not become a bad player, he just wasn’t quite at the level required for a world-class team like City, and hopefully, he can hit the ground running now for West Ham.
He seems to have made a good impression so far, with David Moyes praising the player for how he’s come across so far. He said (whufc.com): “I heard Pep Guardiola’s comments about how good of a lad he is and, while he’s only been here for a week, I would completely agree based on what I’ve seen of him.”
West Ham striker Danny Ings has also had some positive things to say, and there is one trait of Phillips’ he really likes. He said: “I know Kalvin and he’s a great guy, and a very good player. He’s a very good addition to the squad here. He comes in with experience and he’s a top lad. He could be a very important player for us.
“Everyone in the squad is important, but bringing a player in like Kalvin is huge. He makes teams tick. He’s very good on the ball, has great vision and his passing range is unbelievable.”
John Stones said the same
It is interesting to hear Ings say this so soon about Phillips.
It is an ability that John Stones also talked up about the player last year. When asked what he admires most about Phillips, he said: “Easily his range of passing and how he’s always in the right place on the pitch, his positioning and some of the passes he plays [are] outrageous.”
Hopefully, we will now get to see this passing range on a regular basis for West Ham.
Ideally, Phillips needs to be starting games and taking control of them. He needs a strong second half of the season to ensure he does not miss out on the Euro 2024 England squad.
