West Ham’s United’s technical director Tim Steidten has explained one of the key characteristics they signed Kalvin Phillips for.
It was a largely and typically quiet January transfer window for Manchester City. The signing of Claudio Echeverri from River Plate was confirmed but the promising starlet will be staying in Argentina for now.
The only move of immediate significance was the departure of Phillips, who joined West Ham on loan for the rest of the season.
The defensive-midfielder endured a difficult 18 months at City following his switch from Leeds United, with playing time in Pep Guardiola’s side severely limited.
Things haven’t gone much better at the London Stadium so far, either, with Phillips struggling in his first two appearances. The 28-year-old was caught on the ball to give away a goal against Manchester United at the weekend.
Yet, Steidten is optimistic the move will be a positive one.
Why West Ham signed Kalvin Phillips
“We were looking for someone who is also a leader,” Steidten told journalist Florian Plettenberg for Sky Germany.
“We have known him for a long time. The conversations were very good.
“I believe it will work out well.”
Will it work out well?
Despite Steidten’s optimism, signs are not looking promising for Phillips. Perhaps his opening poor displays can be put down to severe ring rust after so long warming City’s bench but it’s going to be difficult for him to return to the level he was at in Leeds.
It was Marcelo Bielsa who got the best out of Phillips and turned him into a £42m player and he has never recaptured those heights, other than in some bright performances for England.
But even Gareth Southgate would be hard pressed to pick Phillips now given the form of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden.
In fact, it’s hard seeing Phillips seeing too much more action at West Ham given all the competition for midfield in David Moyes‘ side.
It will have to be one big turn around for Phillips to make Steidten’s prediction come true.
