New Manchester City signing Kalvin Phillips has been told he can solve a problem that has plagued the team in the past.
The club possesses an array of attacking talent, even in spite of the exit of Gabriel Jesus and imminent departure of Raheem Sterling. They have now added Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez to their ranks which has caused many to believe they may be an unstoppable entity next season.
It has been at the other end of the pitch that has cost City at times. This was none more so evident in the Champions League semi-final loss to Real Madrid, and last year’s final defeat to Chelsea.
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Rodri has enjoyed an outstanding season as City’s holding defender last term, and Phillips is expected to slot alongside him rather than replace him next year. It seems Pep Guardiola is keen to shore up his defence after last season’s injury woes left them exposed at the back.
Former defender Bacary Sagna described his acquisition of Phillips as “great” and what City need. “I’m delighted for him because he deserves the opportunity - he has been brilliant for Leeds and also for the national team,” he told Lord Ping .
“When I see him play, I think he is like an English version of N’Golo Kante. When you see him play, he gives everything.”
Sanga outlined how Phillips can be the player to halt the counter-attacks that have usually exposed City in matches. He added: “For a team like City, having defensive security is really important when they are attacking and I think this is why they have signed him.
“Whenever City attack, there is a danger that they expose themselves, so by adding Phillips they have one more player that can fulfil the defensive role and defend like an animal. I think he can have the same impact as Kante for sure.”
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