Kalvin Phillips ‘Amazed’ verdict emerges after failed West Ham United loan
Frank McAvennie says he will be “amazed” if Kalvin Phillips is named in England’s Euro 2024 squad following a disappointing loan spell at West Ham United.
The midfielder endured a difficult time at the London Stadium after joining from Manchester City in search of more regular minutes.
And McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – feels the Hammers need to bring in a player who can protect the defence better than Phillips did.
“[West Ham have] definitely had to [get] somebody that can sit [in front of the defence]. They brought in Phillips and it never happened. It just never worked,” McAvennie said.
“I’ll be amazed if he goes to the Euros. I will be absolutely amazed. Not because he’s not a good player, but he’s not done it.
“I don’t know what kind of player [West Ham will] bring in but it’s got to be somebody that can stick a foot in there. I think they’re not bad going forward, it’s just the defence for me, that’s the main priority.”
What kind of midfielder should West Ham United sign?
Phillips was signed to bolster a group that included James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek, but his signing never worked out and David Moyes never seemed to settle on a first-choice partnership, either.
Central midfield will be an especially important area under incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui as he looks to transition toward a more possession-dominant side.
Whichever midfielder they bring in to replace Phillips must therefore be comfortable on the ball, while also providing adequate protection for the defence – the sort of player the Hammers thought they were getting in Phillips.
In other West Ham news, McAvennie has questioned the Hammers’ transfer spending and mooted a possible David Sullivan exit.
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