Will Kalvin Phillips step up next season? That’s the question surrounding the England international for next season.
Phillips had a disrupted debut season at Manchester City. He began the season injured and never got a run at it as the season progressed.
There was also the issue of Kalvin Phillips returning from the World Cup ‘overweight’.
All of these factors contributed to a underwhelming first season at the Etihad for the former Leeds United man.
Also the factor with most Manchester City signings, especially in midfield, of taking a season to adjust to the demands from Pep Guardiola. Rodri and Jack Grealish are two recent examples of this.
A meagre return of 21 appearances, mainly as a substitute the total sum of Phillips debut season with City.
At his best Kalvin Phillips is a proven quality Premier League midfielder. He is a England international and always called upon by Gareth Southgate. His greatest attributes should suit this City side.
To Phillips credit he is determined to make it at Manchester City. In a interview with the Guardian Phillips stated:
“My intention is to stay there,” he said. “We have just won the treble, so there is no reason for me to leave, other than if I am not playing I will obviously have to think about it. I cannot give it 12 months and say: ‘I am not playing so I am going to leave.’ As you have seen with many players at City, it can take quite a while to cement yourself into the team.”
There have been links to Bayern Munich for Kalvin Phillips.
With the signing of Mateo Kovacic on the way and the links to Declan Rice persisting, Phillips will face a battle nailing a spot in Guardiola’s squad.
But the England international has the the talent to succeed at Manchester City. He seems determined to put a frustrating debut season at Manchester City behind him.
A fully fit and determined Kalvin Phillips would be a major asset for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City.
If City’s forgotten man does make the step up for Manchester City it will be another string to a already strong bow.
