Speaking on ESPN FC’s Extra Time programme (h/t Express) this weekend, Liverpool legend Steve Nicol does not think that the Reds should sign Leeds United star, Kalvin Phillips, in their bid to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutch midfielder has joined PSG as a free agent after not renewing his deal at Anfield. And for a player who was so regularly featured in Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, it is obvious that Liverpool would have to replace him with someone.
Whether that someone is a player within the club or a midfielder signed in the summer, remains to be seen. But Nicol does not think that Phillips would be the man to replicate the 30-year-old’s role in Liverpool’s midfield.
Responding to a fan, Nicol mentioned that Phillips, if he had to replace anybody at Liverpool, would replace Fabinho, and not Wijnaldum.
“No, I think Phillips, if you were going to replace anybody, Phillips would replace Fabinho. Phillips did well today, he broke forward, he did play a great pass to Sterling. But that’s not his game, that’s not how he plays for Leeds, that’s not what he’s used to doing. So that wouldn’t be his job if he was to replace anybody in the Liverpool midfield.”
Phillips, who plies his trade at Leeds, did very well for England against Croatia. Starting alongside Declan Rice in midfield, the 25-year-old ventured forward and got himself an assist as England won 1-0 in their first UEFA Euros 2020 group stage game.
Liverpool midfielder, Jordan Henderson, remained an unused substitute on the bench. Trent Alexander-Arnold, of course, is not at the tournament anymore due to an injury picked up in a friendly earlier this month.
As for Liverpool, they should look to replace Wijnaldum in some capacity. The dependable midfielder was an ever-present in Liverpool’s starting XI and the Reds could feel his absence if they run into fatigue or injuries next season.
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