Man City midfield crisis hands Kalvin Phillips perfect chance to stake Pep Guardiola claim

When one door closes, another opens - a figure of speech that certainly applies to Kalvin Phillips right now.

Manchester City are the last team on earth who can bemoan injuries. Quality of depth beyond belief makes rival supporters roll their eyelids whenever Pep Guardiola discusses his treatment table.

However, by their standards, City are enduring a midfield crisis. Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva are sidelined while Rodri will serve a three-match ban for a petulant red card. Throw in the uncertainty of another summer arrival, Matheus Nunes, still being blooded into the team, and Guardiola has a dilemma on his hands.

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A place in City’s midfield is up for grabs and this provides a golden opportunity to a forgotten man who, just weeks ago, could have been headed for the Etihad exit. An alarming stat was how Phillips had played more minutes for England than at club level following the Three Lions’ recent 3-1 win over Scotland.

While Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham earned the post-match headlines, Phillips also received credit for his under-the-radar display. The 27-year-old bullied John McGinn and Scott McTominay, relieving Bellingham of his defensive duties and allowing him to play further forward.

Phillips reminded everyone of why he was crowned England’s player of the year just two years ago. Let’s have it right, the former Leeds man would likely start for any other Premier League club but a plethora of talent ahead of him has frustrated his chances.

Amid reported speculation, Phillips outlined his desire to stay and