Pundit issues emphatic Kalvin Phillips verdict after Man City update via BBC
Paul Robinson has backed Kalvin Phillips to “prove his worth” despite a difficult start to life at Man City.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said the 26-year-old will be helped by start of the Champions League this week.
Phillips has just one minute of action to his name this season.
The centre-midfielder has struggled with injury since his arrival from Leeds United this summer.
Speaking to club media (2 September), Pep Guardiola insisted Phillips “will help us” in what promises to be a “long” season.
As reported by the BBC (5 September), Phillips trained with his City teammates ahead of their Champions League clash with Sevilla.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Phillips’ situation, Robinson said: “Kalvin has had a couple of niggly injuries.
“He was out with a shoulder injury and was not even in the squad against Aston Villa.
“He has not had an opportunity to get going yet. Once he gets himself fully fit and firing he will prove his worth.
“The Champions League is starting this week, the games are going to come thick and fast.
“Rodri is a top-class player. At the moment, if Rodri is fit he plays.
“The Champions League group games may be where Kalvin finds his opportunity. He needs to get fit though.
“It is early days. I would not be worried about him this early on in the season. There is plenty of time for him to get game time between now and the World Cup.”
In other news, a pundit has claimed Man City have suffered ‘big blow’ after new Kyle Walker injury news.