Sunday afternoon saw former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips make his Manchester City debut as the reigning Premier League champions put West Ham United to the sword in a 2-0 away win. Leeds born Erling Haaland bagged a brace in City's season opener but Phillips was forced to wait until the 88th minute to make his debut for his new side.
While it was sad for Leeds fans to see one of their own depart Elland Road this summer, there was a widespread acceptance among Whites supporters that Phillips' move to City was one they could understand. Joining Pep Guardiola and the Premier League champions was ultimately an offer Leeds and Phillips could not turn down.
And while he only made a cameo off the bench, Phillips was still delighted to have made his City debut against the Hammers. Taking to twitter, Phillips wrote: "Great result to kick off the season. Proud to make my PL debut for the club."
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Great result to kick off the season. Proud to make my PL debut for the club @ManCity pic.twitter.com/5J5dScXWgs
— Kalvin Phillips (@Kalvinphillips)
However, this season is a World Cup year. Qatar 2022 is just months away and after having a frustrating season hampered by injuries last term, Phillips will need to be playing regularly if he wants to make Gareth Southgate's England squad.
But Sunday saw the 26-year-old England international given just six minutes by Guardiola at the London Stadium with Phillips touching the ball 12 times. It left Leeds fans wondering on social media whether the move to Manchester City could actually hinder Phillips' chances of going to the World Cup in December:
TonySteele3 wrote: "Kalvin Phillips has gone from being the number 1 player in a Premier League team to the guy you bring on in the 89th minute to waste a bit of time. Hope it doesn’t ruin his WC chances #LeedsUnited #mot #ALAW"
Stevegrimson4 wrote: "Hope you do win stuff, but to be a benchwarmer is not what you are, could ruin your England career not playing"
kivalcam wrote: "#Kalvinphillips getting 5 minutes in the last 2 games. Surely footballers should want to play football. It's going to be a long season for him if it continues like this #lufc"
lukechunknaylor wrote: "5 minute debut for Kalvin Phillips. Peps gunna cost him his England place"
TotallyLeeds wrote: "I know it’s early days and there will times of more fixture congestion but Kalvin Phillips must be questioning his decision to leave. On the bench and putting his World Cup starting place up in the air. What could have been. #LUFC"
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