TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor reckons Kalvin Phillips is being wasted sitting on the Manchester City bench following his summer move from Leeds United. Phillips departed Elland Road this summer to move to the Etihad, ending his 12-year spell with the Whites.
But following his blockbuster transfer to join the Premier League champions, Phillips has barely featured for Pep Guardiola's side, playing just 13 minutes of football so far this season.
In Man City's recent 2-1 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, the 26-year-old came on off the bench for a one minute appearance.
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The bench cameo prompted Agbonlahor to tweet out: "Shame to see Kalvin Phillips getting 1 minute of playing time. Can't they loan him back to Leeds for the season?"
Shame to see kalvin Phillips getting 1 minute of playing time. Can’t they loan him back to Leeds for the season?
— Ga11agbon (@ga11agbon)
While a move back to Elland Road before the Qatar World Cup later this year is impossible, it is a sad state of affairs that a player who was so important to Leeds has been forced to ride the bench at the Etihad.
Phillips was instrumental in helping Leeds finally earn promotion back to the Premier League after years in the Football League wilderness, playing a pivotal role under former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa.
So impressive was Phillips during his first season of Premier League football during the 2020/21 season, he managed to force his way into Gareth Southgate's England set-up, with the 26-year-old starting for the Three Lions in their agonising Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
Last term saw Phillips battle injuries during a tough campaign for Leeds. The Whites managed to secure their Premier League safety with a 2-1 final day win over Brentford away, which was Phillips' final act in a Leeds shirt.
Of course, there are a number of reasons that have factored into a lack of minutes under Guardiola so far. City have perhaps one of, if not the best, holding midfielder in the world in Rodri. Their squad is stacked with quality throughout.
Rodri has started the season well and has played in every game for City this season.
Additionally, Guardiola might be taking his time with Phillips too. The Spaniard could be waiting for Phillips to fully adapt to City's style before giving him more minutes.
It should also be pointed out that Phillips lack of game time has not stopped him from being named in the recent England squad for their Nations League matches against Germany and Italy later this month.
And there are plenty of games to be played between now and Qatar meaning Phillips will likely feature more as the season progresses. Even without major minutes, he should still make Southgate's World Cup squad.
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