Kalvin Phillips, the next electrifying midfield engine of Manchester United.
Manchester United has been one of the legendary teams where the midfield should always shine. Talk about the Ferguson era and you will have Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Keane. United was never short of midfield options.
But the case seems entirely different now. After the Ferguson era and as legendary players started retiring. United never had fully dependent midfielders. Every other manager failed to bring some commanding player, who can control the centre of the pitch, and who can provide those top-class assists.
After signing Pogba, many thought that United have solved that puzzle. But the case is different now as Pogba’s best position is not yet clear for Solksjaer. Pogba seems inconsistent, Matic seems slow, Fred doesn’t deserve to be playing every game and McTominay is not so creative.
Bruno Fernandes was signed by Man United and his signing proved to be the best for us. He shined, took his responsibilities beautifully, and was named Player of the Year twice. But is it good to be so dependant on Bruno?
Bruno can’t play every game and he is a creative attacking midfielder. The main position where we are truly lacking is the Defensive midfield options.
When you look at teams having a strong player at that position. Take an example of Alcantara at Liverpool, Kante at Chelsea, Rodri and Fernandinho at Manchester City, Busquets at Barcelona, Casemiro at Real Madrid, Kimmich who also plays as a CDM at Bayern. Do we really fall into the categories of these big teams?
Is Kalvin Phillips the right player?
The player right now who can really solve that puzzle is Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United. According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United fans were demanding the club to sign him after his performance against Croatia.
He has been the most consistent performer for Leeds United and has been Bielsa’s most trustable player. Being a Leeds United academy graduate, he has already made 31 appearances this season for Leeds.
His performances have even attracted top clubs now. England and Gareth Southgate were quick to include the player in their 26 man squad for the Euros and he did repay their faith. He was just spectacular against Croatia and he received the Man of the Match award for his performances.
What are his top qualities?
He is also called the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ by the Leeds fans and his playing style actually proves it. His short passes, great ball distribution, and his ability to contribute in attack while staying deep, prove that he is a top-notch player.
Bielsa once said: “He’s very good at getting the ball and putting it into another space, a better space. He’s very good when he has to cover the team when our full-backs go in the attack. And when we are outnumbered, he is very good with his defending.”
Is he better than other midfield targets for Manchester United?
Considering that the player is cheaper than other options, United should go for him. He is dynamic and is very less injury-prone. Declan Rice is another player that has been targeted by United, but he will surely cost us approx. £100m which is actually quite costly.
Phillips will be available for less than £50m for Man United and if we fail to snatch him up now, then surely other clubs will enter the race for his signature. This signing can be a signature move by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
