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7 months ago
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Perched outside the expansive futsal arena at St George's Park in August 2021, Kalvin Phillips held court.
Legs crossed and arms folded, the midfielder, rather uncomfortably, spoke of his pride at being named England's player of the season.
Spend time in Phillips' company and it becomes abundantly clear that public speaking isn't something that's natural to him. Not in a rude way. His shyness and humility is rather endearing.
Those charming qualities were accentuated that afternoon; almost as if he was embarrassed to accept the accolade, or that he was undeserving.
That couldn't be further from he truth; Phillips' swashbuckling performances alongside Declan Rice in the heart of England's midfield at the delayed Euro 2020 captivated the nation.
Three years ago, a shy and humble Kalvin Phillips was one of England's most important players
He had shown himself to be the midfielder England had been craving for and won the 2020-21 Player of the Year
He is enduring a nightmare spell at West Ham after joining the club to save his international career
If anyone was deserving of the honour then it was him; the midfielder English football had craved for so long.
Someone comfortable in orchestrating the tempo of a football match, capable of breaking the lines with such ferocious incision that opponents are left ragged and disorganised.
There's a reason he's called the Yorkshire Pirlo.
But you'd never know it, though. Polite and unassuming, Phillips is the guy you'd want as your son.
So, the sight of Phillips slinging the middle finger at a supporter in the face of vocal criticism as he boarded the West Ham team bus following Saturday's 4-3 loss at Newcastle, a game his side were leading 3-1 when he was introduced as a second half substitute, came as a shock.
Not because the gesture caused great offence - but that it was Phillips making it.
'Completely out of character,' said one source on Monday.
The straw the broke the camels back. There's only so many setbacks a person can take - even someone as laidback as Phillips.
This was supposed to be a two year period that consolidated Phillips' standing as one of European football's elite central midfielders.
Instead it's been a stretch that's left him broken. He snapped on Saturday.
Injury and fitness issues dogged his dream move from Leeds to Manchester City in the summer of 2022. He made two Premier League starts in 18 months after joining for £45million, although he did end the season with three winners medals.
Pep Guardiola had been vocal about his concerns with Phillips, an issue that came to a head after World Cup 2022 when the City boss accused him of being overweight following a 10 day rest period he'd allowed his players after the tournament.
But even at the height of his problems at City, Phillips always knew he had the safety blanket of England.
Polite and unassuming, news of Phillips sticking his finger up at supporters came as a shock
There are only so many setbacks a person can take - even someone as laidback as Phillips
After moving to Man City for £45million, Pep Guardiola (right) had been vocal of his concerns
Phillips always had the safety blanket of England, until he lost his place in the last international break
Gareth Southgate continued to pick Phillips despite his lack of minutes; his reasoning being that playing regularly ahead of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne and more recently Mateo Kovacic would be a monumental feat.
But now even Southgate, who is immensely loyal, cannot justify Phillips' international inclusion - the England boss dropping the midfielder for the recent games against Brazil and Belgium.
It was hoped Phillips' loan move to West Ham would - at the very least - ensure his place in the squad for Euro 2024.
If it was a success, Phillips may well have played his way back into England's starting XI in time for the tournament.
It's no exaggeration to say that, as things stand, he was closer to the England squad sat on City's bench than he is at the moment.
But it hasn't been for the want of trying. Phillips has thrown himself into London life.
He has retained his northern base, but is living in Stratford, east London - a short drive away from the London Stadium and the club's Rush Green training facility.
His long-term partner Ashleigh and four-month year old baby have moved south with him to help him settle.
At training, he is said to have remained as approachable and friendly as he ever was despite his career stalling so alarmingly.
He is applying himself in training and gradually working towards greater fitness.
But, by the same token, there is an acknowledgement his performances since arriving in January have not been at the level required.
He is in rut and there are no signs of those troubles easing soon.
Fitness continues to be an issue. His general conditioning is said to be on point, but he is noticeably lacking in match sharpness, understandable given his lack of game time under Guardiola.
But it's not like West Ham or David Moyes didn't know what they were getting themselves into.
Mail Sport knows of clubs that walked away from a loan deal for the midfielder during the winter window amid cost-efficiency fears.
There was a feeling it would take Phillips around two months of regular first-team football to reclaim full match fitness following his largely dormant spell at the Etihad.
Fitness continues to be an issue, but the midfielder is applying himself in training and is working towards better levels
Mail Sport knows of clubs that walked away over potential deals amid cost-efficiency fears
It's not like West Ham didn't know what they were getting themselves into with the signing
Having been quoted a £6million loan fee and a requirement to fulfil his £140,000-per-week wages - there was feeling the cost was too rich when considering they may only see Phillips in top physical condition for the final weeks of the campaign.
'It wasn't the kind of deal that would see your club jump up four places in the league,' said a Premier League sporting director.
Needless to say, unless Phillips somehow turns his season around then West Ham will send him back to City this summer without negotiating a deal to take him permanently.
For the time being, injuries in West Ham's midfield appear to be Phillips' only route into the starting XI on a regular basis.
There is an acknowledgement at West Ham that Phillips needs matches. But how can you provide a platform to a player that is so out of form?
It's a catch 22 scenario Moyes is trying to find an answer to.
Phillips is such a likeable guy that Moyes will want to do the best he can for his midfielder as he tries to earn an England recall.
But the head coach, who is himself under pressure from sections of the Hammers supporters, knows his desire to help Phillips can only stretch so far.
Moyes' quandary will, once more, become Guardiola's ahead of next season. Indications are that City will put Phillips up for permanent sale this summer.
One well placed source has told Mail Sport that the Treble winners want to recoup £30million for Phillips.
Eighteen months ago, signing Phillips for £30million would have represented one of the deals of the century.
We will find out soon enough if that is still the case.
Indeed, there is reluctance from at least one of Phillips' Premier League suitors due to concerns the price doesn't represent good value.
Talk of a potential move to Leeds is gathering pace. There are many who believe the transfer has legs if the Elland Road side can secure promotion back into the Premier League.
But even then, £30million for a newly-promoted side represents a major financial outlay.
Talk of a return to Leeds is gathering pace should the Whites return to the Premier League
One well placed source has told Mail Sport that City are looking to recoup £30million in a sale
A return to his spiritual home maybe exactly what Phillips needs. He is revered by the fanbase - and sometimes all you need is love.
There was a time English football had fallen head and shoulders for Phillips. That seems a long time ago now.
But they say the comeback is always greater than the setback. Let's hope that is the case.
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