Kalvin Phillips’s career has taken plenty of twists and turns, but a key switch from Pep Guardiola could change his role at Manchester City.
Phillips, 28, came through the academy ranks at Leeds, rising all the way to becoming a first-team star at the club.
In midfield, he would often find space to play cutting passes or switches of play, with a passing range few in the game could match.
Marcelo Bielsa helped get the most out of Phillips, which resulted in The Whites making their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
With top-flight football back at Elland Road, the England international continued to move from strength to strength.
That led to Manchester City making a transfer approach, eventually landing their ideal midfielder for Pep Guardiola.
However, what has followed since is a run of seasons where Phillips has struggled for minutes and confidence.
With four years still remaining on his contract at City, there have been plenty of questions over his future at the club.
Pep Guardiola changes Kalvin Phillips’ position
With pre-season offering a chance for some players to force their way into the manager’s thoughts, Phillips may well have changed his trajectory at Man City.
For their friendly against Barcelona, the midfielder was converted into a centre-back by Guardiola and played the full 90 minutes.
The former Leeds star impressed, despite missing a penalty in the shootout after the match, bringing about plenty of optimism over his future.
However, after the game, Guardiola discussed his transfer future and appeared to hint at further struggles breaking into the team this season.
“Kalvin I don’t know what is going to happen with his [transfer] situation,” the manager told the Manchester Evening News in his press conference after the game.
“He was really good for the problems we had. I know Kalvin when he gets the ball and can see all the pitch in front of him he’s a really good player.
“When he has the small spaces there are more problems. That’s why with the problems we have he makes an incredible effort with his position. He was confident with the ball and helped us a lot.
“I’m really pleased with his performance.”
When asked if Phillips could have a future at centre-back for City, Guardiola added: “When we have all our central defenders, we have a lot of central defenders.
“That’s why it’s not his position, we will see. Now he’s helping us and it’s good for us.”
Should Kalvin Phillips move to centre-back?
While it appears as though his future is still uncertain at Man City, the bigger picture will bring about questions over the best position for Phillips.
The switch to centre-back from Guardiola is nothing new, as Bielsa used it as a trick during his tenure as Leeds manager.
The academy graduate played as a centre-back 20 times under the former boss, suffering just four defeats in those games.
With his impressive passing range, the 28-year-old may benefit from playing deeper in the build-up phase.
Meanwhile, his mobility in the defensive areas is less of a problem in the backline compared to the midfield.
While there will certainly be some defensive training required, perhaps a move to centre-back will be a natural change for Phillips in the near future.
It remains to be seen whether that future lies at City, back at Elland Road or elsewhere.
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