Kalvin Phillips is 'an exceptional talent' says pundit
Darren Bent has urged Liverpool to go and sign Kalvin Phillips, who he feels can learn from Fabinho. The Leeds United defensive midfielder is widely recognised as one of the best players in the Championship and former England striker Bent believes he has what it takes to cut it at the top level.
Liverpool have been tipped to sign Kalvin Phillips so he can learn from Fabinho (Image: GETTY)
“Listen, if that move comes about and it’s there on the table, you’ve got to take it," Bent told Football Insider.
“How much he’d play, I don’t know but people are talking about Fabinho and his fitness, how he only plays 60 or 70 minutes and then he blows up a little bit.
“It would be good for Kalvin Phillips. He’d go there, learn his trade, watch Fabinho and these type of players to see how they do it. Ability-wise, he’s as good as anyone in that role.
“He’s got energy, passing, technically, he’s a top, top player.
"There was talk of him getting into the England squad before lockdown. People rate him very highly and if the opportunity’s there for him, he’s got to take it.
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“It’s a bit of tough one, we’re saying he’s got to prove himself in the Premier League but if one of the top, if not the top Premier League side wants him, it’s a bit hard to say no!”
There will be space in the Liverpool midfield next season, with Adam Lallana set to leave upon the expiry of his contract.
Liverpool are not the only Premier League club interested in taking Phillips though.
Aston Villa had an offer of £27million rejected by Leeds in 2019.
Kalvin Phillips is reportedly being eyed by Liverpool (Image: GETTY)
Leeds are desperate to keep the 24-year-old, who signed a new five-year deal in September.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy claimed back in January that Phillips has all the credentials to play for a big club.
“He’s a terrific player, I first saw him 18 months ago when he first stood out in a game and I thought ‘keep an eye on him’," Murphy said on talkSPORT.
"I always look at midfielders, it’s a natural thing.
“In that holding role, you have to be really cute and clever, Carrick was one of the best at it.
"If Leeds were to mess up and not go up, I think he’ll be a Premier League player next season. Someone will take him for sure.”