Phillips: This may be real reason why Mings is ‘slacking’ at Aston Villa
Tyrone Mings’ dip in form is down to the amount of games he has played for Aston Villa this season, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Claret and Blue, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old drop-off could cost him in a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros this summer.
Mings produced a shaky performance against Liverpool on Saturday, and completed just 59 per cent of his attempted passes as Dean Smith’s side lost 2-1 at Anfield. (Sofascore)
The centre-half has started all but one of Villa’s 30 Premier League fixtures this season, helping his side keep 14 clean sheets.
Phillips is unsurprised by the England international’s dip in form and said there should be “no concern”.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Mings and a few others have dropped off in recent weeks,” he told Football Insider.
“They started the season incredibly well having survived last year by the skin of their teeth.
“When you play at such a high level, like they were, a dip in form will come, that is natural.
“Sadly, the dip is not coming at the right time of the season for a lot of these players with the Euros coming up. You want to be performing at your best now rather than slacking off a bit.
“I have no concern over Mings though, he has play a hell of a lot of football this season. He has been a stalwart for them. I think his dip in form is down to the amount of games he has played.”
In other news, an England international has been tipped to quit Aston Villa amid a major development.