In response to Kalvin Phillips’ loan move to West Ham United, Gary Neville has given his assessment, conceding that the England international will “no problem” settle in at the London Stadium.
The 28-year-old and Manchester City are said to have reached an agreement that will allow him to play for the Irons for the second half of the season under David Moyes. At the conclusion of the season, the Irons will have the option to extend the agreement [Fabrizio Romano, 23 January].
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Phillips has been little more than a bit part player during his time at the Etihad Stadium, but Neville believes that this is the perfect move for all parties and expects the midfielder to impress under David Moyes.
“He needs to play football, that’s for sure,” he stated in an interview with Sky Sports Premier League on January 23. We believed that this important England player would succeed at Manchester City. Normally, you would assume that City makes no mistakes when it comes to transfers.
“It just hasn’t worked out for him there. They have great choices in midfield, of course, but I think West Ham and Kalvin Phillips made the right move in losing Declan Rice. I’m hoping he can maintain his fitness and play a lot of football before the summer’s Euros.
“Manchester City is a unique football team and if you’re just not quite as sharp on the ball as those around you, you can look a little bit like a fish out of water.
“But when he goes into West Ham he’ll fit in there no problem. He’s a really good player and a good solid David Moyes type to have on the pitch. This could work well for all parties.”
Moyes type
Another new midfielder won’t have been too high up on most West Ham supporters’ shopping lists this month, but Phillips has the ability to be a real difference-maker at the London Stadium between now and the end of the season.
The 28-year-old was a huge part of Leeds United’s initial success under Marcelo Bielsa both in the Championship and Premier League while also playing a huge role in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.
Should he rediscover that form under Moyes, he could become one of the signings of the January transfer window, West Ham just now have to hope that he manages to hit the ground running.
Hopefully, the remainder of the deal will go off without a hitch and Phillips will be able to match the expectations of both Neville and the Hammers fanbase between now and the end of the campaign.
In other West Ham news, Jacob Steinberg has shared an update on how FFP could play a part in Phillips’ deal.
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