‘Wow!’ ‘next season would be interesting’ – Man City fans react as stats suggest Kalvin Phillips might be better than Rodri

On a purely practical level, it is clear to see why Manchester City are looking to sign Kalvin Phillips.

Since Fernandinho brought an end to a glittering, trophy laden career at Manchester City, manager Pep Guardiola had been on the look-out for a replacement.

The Catalan manager targeted Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips as his number one target to provide competition for Rodri, who himself was brought in to replace the Brazilian and firmly established himself in the defensive midfielder role.

After appearing to have secured the signing of the Leeds United star, a statistical comparison has been undertaken to decide how Rodri and Kalvin Phillip line up against each other.

With Rodri largely hailed as the current standout candidate in his position across the continent, Sky Sports News have accumulated a list of key stats since the start of the 2020/21 on a per 90 basis that compare Manchester City’s soon-to-be defensive midfield duo.

#ManCity‘s defensive midfielders for the 2022/23 season! 🤯💪 pic.twitter.com/ybDB96jGPn

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) June 25, 2022

Going by the strength of the numbers alone, one may assume it is the England international who is far and away the better player.

However, this statistical comparison gives one more of an insight into the contrasting styles and responsibilities that characterise both midfielders.

In Phillips’ case, it is key to emphasise that while his numbers are certainly impressive, this is also a result of Leeds being on the backfoot on several occasions in games – which boosts his defensive duties in comparison to the Spaniard.

Phillips has demonstrated that he has the qualities a Guardioa-esque defensive midfielders must possess. Solid in front of the back four with the ability to turn defence in to attack within moments.

Last season, Phillips made 12.87 recoveries per 1000 opposition touches, second only to Rodri with 17.01 and better than the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo and Declan Rice – who excelled in this department last term.

Many Man City fans expect Phillips could provide stiff competition to the former Atletico Madrid lynchpin, who joined the Blues in 2019.

Here is a selection of comments from City supporters as taken from Twitter.

“Wow! Kalvin Phillips 👀
Their double pivot will be interesting”
Credit: @nwanneka_omeche

“Okay this stat actually puts Phillips way above my rating. Mmmm next season would be interesting”
Credit: @P_R_ii_N_C_E___

“Phillips will be immense for us, wins the ball, reads the game brilliantly 👍🔵.”
Credit: @MCFCTone

“Different teams, Rodri’s stats are from a team that has 70% poss so they are incredible stats , Phillips stats are from a team that nearly got relegated so I’d expect high stats , honestly they just make Rodri’s stats look even better, Phillips will fit in very well at City”
Credit: @tonythemanc

“When you look at these stats you may think Kalvin is better. That’s why I don’t pay much attention to stats.”
Credit: @ManCitty9320

“Very impressive numbers for Phillips”
Credit: @citykevin_

“This makes phillips look better but don’t get it twisted. Rodri 🐐 ”
Credit: @kunsologist

“Great business, Pep rarely misses with his midfielders.”
Credit: @ohzaimcfc