Kalvin Phillips could hand Man City the missing quality to unleash Jack Grealish

If you say the words 'double pivot' to any Manchester City fan, the chances are you'd get an impulsive groan, or sigh, or even a shudder.

Because when Pep Guardiola has played two defensive midfielders together in the past, it's rarely paid off, and in fact had a negative impact on City's balance. When Guardiola is accused of 'overthinking', it is often because he wants to be slightly more defensive against a quality opponent, and adding an extra holding midfielder is a defensive move.

However, with Fernandinho gone, City have agreed a deal for Leeds and England star Kalvin Phillips, who can play at the base of midfield but also further forward. Maybe he is the player Guardiola needs to finally perfect the dreaded double pivot.

ALSO READ:Man City signing Kalvin Phillips will give Pep Guardiola more midfield options than ever before

To look at Phillips' role for England is probably where most City fans will be familiar with their incoming signing. At Euro 2020, Declan Rice sat deep, in a role that has similarities to Rodri's at City, and Phillips would come deep to support but also help carry the ball forward and link England's attack and defence.

He was the surprise package at Euro 2020, and it's no coincidence that he's featured for England since when available. Even if his predominant position for Leeds is the more traditional holding midfielder at the base of a 4-1-2-2-1 formation, maybe it's his qualities at the bottom of a double pivot that are most appealing to City.

Because Phillips won't displace Rodri for the majority of his time at City, and he will also have to compete with Ilkay Gundogan for game-time too. Where his minutes may come, then, is when Guardiola wants to try two holding midfielders, with three