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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Harry Siddall

Kalvin Phillips can replicate his England role in Pep Guardiola's Man City formation

On the face of it, it seems like Kalvin Phillips could be Fernandinho's natural replacement at Manchester City. but he could also replicate his England role and effective partnership with Declan Rice at the Etihad Stadium.

Of course, despite City holding a previous interest in Rice, it seems unlikely that the West Ham talisman would move to the Etihad this summer, but the same principles can be used by placing Phillips alongside Rodri to give City a fresh way of going forward.

One of the most important roles in any successful 4-3-3 system is the link-man, the No.8. Forming one of the midfield three, that job is to transition defence into attack by picking the ball up in the half space, turning and driving at the opposition. He then has the pick of the forward line to release the ball, or let fly himself.

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