The summer transfer window is coming to its end and clubs must find the missing piece in their team so that it doesn’t hinder them for the rest of the season – and Liverpool’s search for a defensive midfielder has dominated the discussions among papers down at the Merseyside all window long and yet we are at no conclusions in that regards.
The Hunt for a Number 6
Following the mass exodus in the midfield this transfer window, Liverpool needed to act quickly to buy players who could replace their long-term serving players. Wataru Endo seems to be the last player to sign for LFC but is there room for one more? Though Endo is a capable midfielder, it was clear to everyone that he wasn’t Liverpool’s first choice.
Endo is better fitted for a Milner-like role, judging from his first couple of appearances which ofcourse is not fair on my part but the slim days that remain in the transfer window mean a verdict is needed sooner. Liverpool would need someone who can play in the CDM, carry balls forward and give long balls to the wingers.
While many are linked with a move to Liverpool these days, one name that has popped up in the Liverpool camp is Manchester City’s Kalvin Philips.
Is Kalvin Phillips good?
Signed from Leeds United back in 2022, much was expected from the Phillips. But owing to Rodri’s phenomenal performances, the Englishman got very few chances to impress manager Pep Guardiola last season.
The “Yorkshire Pirlo”, as he was named by the Leeds faithful was one of the best players for them back when they were in the Premier League. He is very good at direct free-kicks with his first premier league goal coming from one too. His Ball interception capabilities are also top-notch. Though he had played some matches for Leeds as CM, his abilities of blocking the ball and tackling were ranked in the top 5% of all midfielders in the Premier League.
Would Phillips fit into Klopp’s system?
His performances also got him several England call-ups and a chance to feature in the Euro Cup and also the World Cup but sadly the 27-year-old just can’t get to start in Pep Guardiola’s team. Back under manager Marcelo Bielsa Philips used to play in a 3-1-3-3 formation in attack and a 4-1-4-1 formation in defence and hence his assists and goal contribution are not sky-high.
Kalvin Philips to Liverpool makes a lot of sense due to a variety of reasons. Philips will have guaranteed game time as now with Kovacic signing for Man City, Philips’s game time has been further decreased down at the Blue side of Manchester.
As for Liverpool, they will get a Premier League-proven Defensive midfielder. The Englishman would also fit well into Klopp’s pressing tactics as he used to be in the top 2% of successful pressures applied. Though his ball-carrying abilities are not out of this world he can create the flow of passes around him and dictate that midfield with a certain pausa.
From Sky Blue to Red: Changing teams on the horizon for Kalvin Phillips?
A deal on paper is much less likely to happen as Manchester City might not be eager to sell one of their backups to Jurgen Klopp & Co. When asked about the rumours, Philips himself has made it clear that he came to Manchester City to win trophies and he is ready to fight for his place.
City are reported to be interested if offers come around 65 million but former Reds player Danny Murphy believes Liverpool should go and get him if Man City are willing to negotiate around 45 million. Klopp has also told the media and fans not to except any further outgoings nor hope for any new signings.
With the transfer window in England closing in a few days, it remains to be seen what colour of kit Kalvin Phillips would wear for the rest of the season.
