Pep Guardiola and Gary Neville have rarely seen eye to eye on footballing matters in the past, but the two former rivals have recently come together to discuss the future of a “forgotten” Man City star. While both have differing views on the game, their praise for the player in question is unanimous, suggesting that the club could finally be unleashing a long-awaited talent. Keep reading to find out who this star is and why he is catching the attention of two of football’s most respected names.
Kalvin Phillips, the deep-lying playmaker for Manchester City, has had a tough start to his debut season in the Premier League. Despite being signed for £42 million from Leeds United last summer, he has struggled with injuries and selection concerns, leading to fewer appearances for the club than for England. However, the recent victory over Italy saw him starting for the Three Lions, and his performance on the field has caught the attention of fans, teammates, and experts alike.
Phillips is a late developer, with just two years of top-flight experience under his belt, but he has already been identified as a “perfect” replacement for City hero Fernandinho. Gary Neville, the former Manchester United player, has praised him as the best English midfielder in the Premier League, citing his ability to run, tackle, pass, defend, and set the tone for his team.
Although there are some newer talents like Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice who may challenge Neville’s claim, Phillips has undoubted talent, nurtured under the widely revered Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa. Guardiola, his coach at Manchester City, has said that Bielsa recommended him three or four years ago, and after proving him right, he has been promoted to the Premier League and national team.
Guardiola reminded Phillips of his talent during the recent Italy match, and the stage is set for him to showcase it further as the season progresses. His England teammate, Jack Grealish, also struggled during his debut campaign but has become a vital part of the City line-up this term, adding to the hope that Phillips can do the same with time and patience.
In conclusion, Pep Guardiola and Gary Neville have both acknowledged the impressive abilities of a ‘forgotten’ Manchester City star. This player has proven to be a crucial asset to the team on multiple occasions, and it is important not to overlook their contributions. With the backing of Guardiola and Neville, it will be interesting to see how this talented player continues to develop and contribute to Manchester City’s ongoing success. As fans and followers of the game, we should take note of this reminder to pay attention to those players who may not always be in the spotlight, as they just may be the key to a team’s victory.
