Kalvin Phillips debuted in Manchester City as a central defender, which he would never have hoped for.
However, this was a forced step as two of the regular defenders had not joined the squad and another was left out with illness.
Later, however, he could get his place up front in his favored midfield position. If he is to play in the role that he played in Leeds, he would have to take the position of Rodri.
Therefore, it is now evident that he would have to fight for his place if he wants to play in that position.
He was made to pair up with Rodri in the latter half of the game.
What did Kalvin Phillips and Rodri say about their positions in the Manchester City squad?
Speaking at the team hotel to some reporters Phillips said:
“When I was younger I played more as an eight than what I did now. At the Euros it was new to me but I did reasonably well. Playing in midfield with Rodri, Kevin [De Bruyne], [Ilkay] Gundogan will only make me a better player. Just to understand the role and how the manager wants me to play and go from there.
“Everything Marcelo [Bielsa] taught me was a lot of movement without the ball, creating space for yourself to get on the ball. At City it’s more moving into spaces to help your teammates get on the ball or getting in position to turn on the ball first time and play forward all the time. It’s just getting used to that, these training sessions will let me get used to it a lot more.”
Rodri was more considerate and agreed to play alongside Phillips.
He said,
”It was a great chance for the club to sign that kind of player.
“Of course, Fernandinho was one of the best but now he has gone and Kalvin is in. We are both pretty young and I think we can play together or alone. It’s good for the team to have competition and he has qualities that can improve the team.”
Follow us on Twitter for more updates.
