According to recent reports, Liverpool are considering the prospect of signing Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City before the transfer window closes. With the former Leeds United midfielder struggling for game time, the player may be open to making the move with his place in the England squad under threat. He has only been involved as an unused substitute this season.
It is without doubt that there has been plenty of transfer discussion around the Liverpool midfield, not just this summer, but last season as well. It had been well-documented that Liverpool had players in this part of the squad more towards the end of their careers, and boss Jurgen Klopp has been quick to add fresher faces, and maybe Phillips could be the next.
Alexis Mac Allister has already joined from Brighton & Hove Albion, whilst in addition to the World Cup winner, Dominik Szoboszlai has made the switch from Red Bull Leipzig in a big-money move. Also, Wataru Endo linked up from Stuttgart over the last week, and made his debut in the Premier League victory over Bournemouth last weekend. Liverpool have certainly been busy in the market, but more is required.
Although those three have joined, and Liverpool also possess the likes of Thiago, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Stefan Bajcetic, Klopp surely wouldn't say no to a player such as Phillips to further boost his midfielder options. Time is running out if he were to make the move, but I am of the opinion it is worthwhile trying to make this happen.
Here are my three main reasons as to why Liverpool would benefit from signing Kalvin Phillips to their squad.
Contents
Kalvin Phillips to Liverpool: Fits the system
Phillips has more than plenty of experience playing the holding midfielder role for both club and country. It was his excellent, standout performances for Leeds United that forced Manchester City to part way with over £40million to snap the player up. Pep Guardiola doesn't just sign any old player, and whilst he hasn't had the opportunities he'd have wanted, Pep is still happy to have him around.
Guardiola plays a very interchangeable 4-3-3 formation, with Rodri serving as a the deep-lying player, allowing the likes of De Bruyne and co. get forward into advanced areas. Liverpool are effectively looking for someone to fill the void left by Fabinho, who did this job excellently over the years. Phillips could slot into this role with ease, and be able to hit the ground running rather quickly, all being well.
Kalvin Phillips to Liverpool: Premier League experience
It cannot be questioned how important this is. Whilst clubs will search all across the globe for players these days, especially those in the Premier League, every squad needs a healthy influx of players that get the league and know what it is all about. That is why signing someone such as Phillips would be a wise move for the Anfield club, as he wouldn't necessarily need a settling in period.
Furthermore, this is someone who has several caps for England, even often getting in the squad despite his limited game time at club level. As a player, he oozes class when on the ball, and with teams constantly pressing high these days it is vitally important to make quick decisions in possession. Phillips can achieve this with no objection, and even during his time at Leeds he would perform this role to a high standard.
Kalvin Phillips to Liverpool: An upgrade
Speaking of Leeds, Phillips was a major part of their success under the management of Marcelo Bielsa, and it is well known across the football world that he operates in a particular manner and has particular standards. It could be argued that Bielsa took Phillips to another level, and if he can excel under Bielsa, then he'd have no issue playing under Klopp and fit into his way of playing.
Phillips also greatly fills a void in the team that needs replacing. We've already touched upon the job Fabinho did in the Liverpool XI, and nobody in the squad now is able to really replicate that. Phillips would have no issue, and he wouldn't necessarily be a pure defensive midfield and he can contribute going forward in a big way, too.
