1 year ago
271 Joe Cole has a theory as to why Liverpool target Kalvin Phillips did not start for England against Malta and North Macedonia.
The former Chelsea and Liverpool star believes that England head coach Gareth Southgate is trying to send a message to the Manchester City midfielder.
So, what has Joe Cole said about Liverpool target Kalvin Phillips? Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, Kalvin Phillips is struggling for playing time at Manchester City, and it seems that it has started to affect him in the England national football team.
England beat Malta 2-0 last week and played out a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia on Monday evening.
Phillips did not start against Malta and came on as a substitute in the 84th minute against North Macedonia.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a right-back by trade, but England head coach Gareth Southgate used the Liverpool star in midfield against Malta and North Macedonia.
Former England international star Joe Cole believes that Southgate is trying to tell Phillips that he needs to play regularly at club level to keep his place in the Three Lions’ team.
Liverpool are among the clubs who have been linked with a move for Phillips in the January transfer window.
According to TuttoJuve, Liverpool are competing with Newcastle United and Juventus for Phillips. Arsenal have also been linked with the 27-year-old.
Cole said on Channel 4 (7:28pm, November 20, 2023): “Kalvin Phillips not playing. Maybe that’s a message, Kalvin go and get some minutes somewhere because that’s his shirt next to Declan.”
Kalvin Phillips needs to leave Manchester City, but Liverpool transfer unlikely
I believe that Kalvin Phillips needs to consider his future at Manchester City, at least in the short term.
It is clear that City manager Pep Guardiola does not rate him. The former Leeds United midfielder started only two Premier League matches last season and has started none this campaign.
Even when Rodri was suspended, Guardiola did not include the £42 million (BBC Sport) midfielder in the starting lineup.
Of course, leaving a team like City is hard for any player. After all, they are the dominating force in English football and won the UEFA Champions League last season.
But, I believe that Phillips needs to seriously consider a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium in the January transfer window.
While Liverpool are interested in the Englishman, I do not think that City will let him leave for the Reds.
After all, Liverpool are a major force in England and are aiming to beat City to the Premier League title this season.
Just because Phillips has not been a success at City does not mean that he would not do well at Liverpool.
The post 'Go': Joe Cole says Gareth Southgate has just encouraged £42m player to leave after he's linked with Liverpool appeared first on TBR Football.
