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Published on 2024-01-26 19:00:00
Micah Richards expressed his surprise at Kalvin Phillips’ lack of success as a signing for Manchester City. Phillips, who has only made 31 appearances for the club since joining from Leeds United in 2022, has moved to West Ham United on loan until the end of the season.
Richards, a former City player, shared his thoughts on Phillips and his inability to secure a regular starting position at City. He believed that Phillips would be an excellent addition to City’s squad due to his versatility in playing either in midfield or as a center-back, a skill which he showcased during his time at Leeds. Richards expressed his admiration for Phillips’ ball-playing abilities and passing skills, which led him to believe that Phillips would excel at City.
Despite featuring in a variety of roles during his final season at Leeds, Phillips was rarely given the chance to start for City, with only six starting appearances out of 31 games. This lack of playing time ultimately led to Phillips seeking a move away from City.
City manager Pep Guardiola admitted to struggling to find a place for Phillips in his ideal team, which was a contributing factor to Phillips’s departure from the club. Phillips’s move to West Ham presents him with an opportunity to secure regular playing time and potentially earn a spot in England’s squad for the upcoming European Championship.
Richards’s surprise at Phillips’ struggles at City reflects the high expectations surrounding the young Englishman when he first arrived at the club. It remains to be seen how Phillips will fare at West Ham, but his move represents a new opportunity for him to establish himself at the highest level.
Read Original article on Manchester City News
