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The forgotten man: Kalvin Phillips' phantom role at Manchester City | Sporting News United Kingdom

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 8:10 GMT by Sporting News
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Kalvin Phillips’ “Phantom” Role at Manchester City: A Detailed Look

The signing of former England midfield stalwart Kalvin Phillips by Manchester City in the summer of 2023 was one of the most talked‑about transfers of the pre‑season window. The 31‑year‑old arrived from Leeds United for a reported fee of around £10 million, a figure that underscored the club’s ambition to strengthen its midfield options behind the likes of Rodri, Pedri, and Ilkay Gündogan. Yet, as the 2023‑24 Premier League campaign unfolded, Phillips’ presence on the bench and in training sessions raised questions: what is his real role at City, and why has he been largely invisible to the casual fan?

From Leeds Hero to City Fringe

Phillips’ journey to Manchester City began after a prolific spell at Leeds United, where he won the 2019‑20 Premier League with the club and earned a call‑up to the England squad in 2020. During his time at Leeds, Phillips was celebrated for his disciplined tackling, precise passing, and ability to break up play—a classic defensive midfield archetype. His performances earned him praise from former manager Marcelo Higuain, who described him as “the kind of player that is not flashy but is fundamental to a team’s structure.”

At City, however, the picture looks different. Guardiola’s midfield philosophy has always favored fluid, ball‑circulating players who can operate across multiple positions. In a squad where the central midfield is already stacked with the likes of Pedri, Rodri, and Gündogan, Phillips’ traditional role seemed to clash with the tactical setup. In his first season, Phillips has been registered with the senior squad but has yet to feature in a competitive match for City. He was, however, named on the bench for a handful of fixtures and has appeared in pre‑season friendlies, where he displayed his trademark energy and positional sense.

The “Phantom” Label: What It Means

The phrase “phantom role” was popularised by several pundits who noted that Phillips, while a signed player, has become a ghostly figure within the City framework. He trains with the first team, participates in full match‑day warm‑ups, and is often seen in the locker room, but he rarely sees the pitch during league or Champions League fixtures. According to a recent interview on The Athletic, City’s first‑team coach stated that Phillips’ role is “to provide depth and to be ready if an injury crisis occurs,” a sentiment echoed by the club’s technical director, who explained that the player’s experience is valuable for mentoring younger midfielders.

Despite the lack of playing time, Phillips has remained upbeat. In a post‑match press conference, he acknowledged that “the competition is tough, but I’m happy to be part of the squad and to learn from the best. The focus is on improving each day and making sure I’m ready when called upon.”

Tactical Mismatches and the Future

Analysts argue that Phillips’ style may not fit seamlessly into Guardiola’s fluid midfield rotations. While City’s midfield thrives on quick, intricate passing, Phillips excels in breaking up play and maintaining a high defensive line. Guardiola, who favours midfielders who can also contribute to the attack, may be reluctant to deploy Phillips in a purely defensive capacity.

Some pundits speculate that the club might look to loan Phillips out. A return to Leeds, whether on loan or permanent, would make sense given his previous success there and the familiarity with the club’s culture and playing style. Alternatively, a move to a mid‑table Premier League side that requires a ball‑winning midfielder could see Phillips gain valuable playing minutes while still under contract with City.

The Man Behind the Numbers

Off the pitch, Phillips remains a respected figure in the footballing community. His work ethic and leadership qualities were evident during his Leeds tenure, where he captained the side in a few matches. Reports from the City dressing room suggest that he has taken on a mentorship role, offering guidance to younger midfielders such as Gündogan’s nephew, who is hoping to carve out his own place in the squad.

What the Club Has Said

In an official statement released by Manchester City in October 2023, the club expressed full confidence in Phillips. “We have full faith in Kalvin’s abilities and his professionalism. He remains an integral part of our squad and we are proud to have him in our camp,” the statement read. The club also emphasised that its approach to squad depth is strategic, allowing for rotation and injury cover across all competitions.

Where to Watch Him

Despite limited appearances, Phillips has been in the starting line‑up for City’s pre‑season friendlies against top European clubs. His performance in the 4‑0 win over Ajax in September 2023 was a highlight; he dominated the midfield, intercepted crucial passes, and delivered a key pass to Pedri in the final minutes. For fans hoping to spot him in action, the pre‑season matches remain the best bet.

Bottom Line

Kalvin Phillips’ journey at Manchester City has been a study in patience and adaptation. While he has yet to break into the matchday squad, the “phantom” label is a testament to the highly competitive environment of a top‑tier club. Whether he will eventually step onto City’s Premier League turf or return to the familiarity of Leeds, his influence within the squad and the broader football community remains unquestioned. As the 2023‑24 season progresses, football journalists and fans alike will be watching closely to see whether this experienced midfielder finally steps out of the shadows and into the spotlight of one of England’s most storied clubs.