Kevin Nolan has revealed Declan Rice did something lovely for Kalvin Phillips when he joined West Ham United.
Phillips’ frustrating 18 months at Manchester City came to a temporary end in the January transfer window as he joined West Ham on loan for the rest of the season.
Though the 28-year-old has Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Club World Cup winners’ medals to his name, he played a miniscule role in the recent success of Pep Guardiola’s side.
Phillips has played just 911 minutes across 31 appearances for City, averaging out at an average of just 29 minutes per game.
The defensive midfielder felt he had to move on to start enjoying his football again and opted for the Hammers.
What Declan Rice did for Kalvin Phillips
Upon hearing the news that Phillips was moving to his old stomping ground, Arsenal midfielder Rice messaged West Ham coach Nolan with a strong recommendation.
Speaking to TalkSport, Nolan said: “No, I didn’t know him before he got here but obviously we heard really good things about him from Dec.
“Obviously, me being close with Dec and working well with him for a few years, he texted me a couple of times just saying: ‘Look after Kalv, he is a great lad, you’ll enjoy working with him’.
“And I have. I have thoroughly enjoyed the first week or so, two weeks, now that he’s been with us. Yeah, gaffer said it, you have got to give him time.”
Will Kalvin Phillips play for Manchester City again?
Sadly for Phillips, his time at the London Stadium hasn’t gotten off to the best start. He has looked poor in his first two matches and directly led to a conceded goal in his second against Manchester United.
It’s fair to put that down to ring rust and, as Nolan says, with time he may discover his old form.
But if he doesn’t, West Ham might not be too keen on signing him permanently which could see a return to City.
Phillips is contracted at the Etihad until 2028, so the Blues won’t be willing to let him go on the cheap but will there be much interest?
There’s a possibility he could find himself back on City’s bench next season if he doesn’t improve. Quickly.
