Kalvin Phillips showed true colours with hidden Man City role before Ipswich transfer

Kalvin Phillips will be back at the Etihad this weekend having to watch.

This time at least, his lack of involvement will be down to not being able to play against his parent club rather than a selection decision. Phillips needed a fresh start this season, and he chose boldly by moving to Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town on loan.

Given his time at Manchester City went so bewilderingly badly, he has left a hugely positive impression on staff and players. Pep Guardiola has always praised the character of the player, and even as recently as the summer tour the former Leeds midfielder was making a difference.

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Phillips knew by the time he returned for pre-season training he would not be a part of Guardiola's plans for the campaign, yet there were no complaints as he helped out where he could. That included playing centre-back for a number of games on the summer tour, and away from the pitch he was even more important.

With a young squad in the United States owing to the number of players away at the European Championship, when they were asked for feedback on the trip multiple academy players singled out Phillips for going above and beyond to welcome them into the group. Whether it was help in training or playing card games in the hotels in their downtime, Phillips was on hand and available.

It is that kind of behaviour that means Phillips will be warmly welcomed back to the Etihad on Saturday and fingers will be crossed for the rest of his season by all those he has helped out.