Kalvin Phillips Compilation Proves He's A Perfect Fit For Manchester City
A compilation of Kalvin Phillips doing his thing in midfield proves the 26-year-old is a perfect fit for Manchester City.
On Friday night, news broke that City were closing in on the signing of the Leeds United star in a deal totalling £45 million.
City had identified Phillips as a top target this summer and are set to pay £42 million up front, with a further £3 million in add-ons.
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In a separate transfer, City's 18-year-old midfielder Darko Gyabi is heading in the opposite direction for £5 million fee.
Phillips, who is expected to join his new club for pre-season, will become City's second signing of the summer and follow up the huge capture of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
Guardiola has clearly been high on Phillips, who developed into a complete defensive midfielder under Marcelo Bielsa.
An 8 minute video of his best bits on YouTube has garnered just short of 40,000 views and shows exactly what Phillips will bring to City.
He has a tough task in nailing down a starting spot as the deepest midfielder after Rodri's phenomenal season for the champions, but Phillips would appear to have all the traits to excel in City possession-based approach.
The one-club man has a sense for sniffing out opposition attacks but combines that with a wonderful range of passing and the ability to dictate a game from deep.
'The Yorkshire Pirlo' did this with distinction in England's run to the Euro 2020 final with a series of impressive displays.
He provided the assist for Raheem Sterling's winner in the opening fixture against Croatia with a lovely run and pass and maintained that level throughout the tournament.
Capped 23 times by his country, Phillips was named as England's Player of the Year for his displays.
Guardiola, a top-tier midfield metronome himself back in the day, has the perfect knowledge for the position and Phillips is likely to take his game to another level under the Catalan.
After a 1-1 draw at Elland Road in November, Phillips found himself in awe of the City boss when they shook hands.
As per The Times, Phillips said: "I was more mesmerised by Pep Guardiola giving me a handshake, and saying, 'Congratulations, well done.' That was nice."
City are now expected to push for a deal for Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella, though they are likely to offload Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus to Chelsea and Arsenal respectively.
Topics: Kalvin Phillips, Leeds United, Premier League, England, Pep Guardiola, Man City
Josh Lawless