admin The arrival of Declan Rice would immediately see a question mark over the future of one Manchester City player.
Pep Guardiola has already made his feelings clear about Declan Rice, calling him “an exceptional player” last month.
Of his potential targets this summer, Manchester City may not have been one of the strongest contenders. Mateo Kovacic is likely to be a direct replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who is moving to Barcelona.
City’s captain has been advised to leave Etihad Airways this summer and Bernardo Silva is likely to go through the exit door as well. Even if Pep Guardiola approves a West Ham captaincy change, Rice won’t be a direct successor to the Portuguese master.
A report on Thursday said City will launch a £100 million chase against the man. If you buy four-time Champions League winner Kovacic for just £30m, you’re doing yourself a little favor.
The midfielder, who usually plays in the middle, also has the ability to play as deep as Rice, making the England star’s apparent pursuit interesting. It’s not like City lacks cover there.
Rodri is currently one of Europe’s best midfielders and will be included in every team this season. John Stones has demonstrated his world-class qualities into the pivot position and the role has taken him to the next level.
Calvin Phillips will have a decision to make if Kovacic arrives and signs Rice. The Yorkshireman made his full Premier League debut after City lifted the title.
A shoulder injury at the start of the season kept him out of action for two and a half months, making the adjustment process difficult.
Phillips was still in England’s World Cup squad but was scorned by Guardiola after his return.
When asked why Phillips did not play in City’s first second leg against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, the Blues manager replied: “He is not injured.” He arrived too fat. I don’t know why]. He arrived in no condition to train or play.
Two weeks later he repeated the point, adding: “Perhaps this will serve as a good lesson for him in the future… This level is very demanding and you have to play every three games.
Phillips ended up appearing in just 21 games and starting just four. He never started in City’s Champions League.
At international level, he has challenged Rice for the starting defensive midfield spot, but is currently losing out front in next year’s Euros. He may have to make a decision when his England team-mates arrive at Etihad Airways.
As with almost all Guardiola contracts (except Erling Haaland), it takes about a year for a player to grow and get used to it. Examples include Rodri, Jack Grealish, and Nathan Ake.
But will Phillips have the chance to show he has the rhythm he needs if he signs Rice? Rodri is a must as the Stones have shown that City can survive on just a midfield pivot if he comes in as a back-up.
Guardiola’s remarks about Rice suggest he is Rodri’s next position, and Kovacic could also get a job there if needed. A move like the Stones could see Guardiola push Rice further up front as a central midfielder, but that poses a big challenge for Phillips at this stage.
A former University of Leeds man may have been superficially delighted to see his British colleague walk through the door, but deep down he was terrified.
If so, Phillips will have to decide whether to fight for game time at City or find an easier path elsewhere. Are you worried about Euro 2024?
