Kalvin Phillips has been a Manchester City player for three weeks and has now featured in two pre-season friendlies, but the 26-year-old has had a taste of what life is like under Pep Guardiola which may have been a rude awakening.
Phillips is yet to start an exhibition game for the Premier League defending champions and has played out of position on one occasion, which Vital Man City predicted could happen when the season begins.
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Phillips was named on the bench in City’s 2-1 win over Club America on July 20 but was introduced halfway through for Nathan Ake. He was played at centre-back by Guardiola to the surprise of many.
The 26-year-old made a substitute appearance in City’s 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on July 23, coming off the bench in the 69th minute for Bernardo Silva, so he’s likely to still be short of match fitness.
Phillips has played in both pre-season friendly but not always in his preferred position and not from the start. This is taste of what may be to come for the England international this campaign, as Rodri should be first-choice in midfield.
In other news, Pep Guardiola treatment could see Scott Carson spend 2022/23 on the periphery
News flash, Philips has played as a central defender whilst at Leeds. Its nothing new so far from being a shock to him.