West Ham United: Alan Pardew and Graeme Souness argue over Kalvin Phillips live on talkSPORT
Alan Pardew and Graeme Souness have argued live on talkSPORT after the latter claimed West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips is not a Premier League-level player.
Pardew detailed that, while the move to the London Stadium hasn’t worked out, he still believes Phillips is a terrific player, while the former Rangers man insisted he still needs to prove himself.
This has come after the midfielder was sent off in the Premier League clash between West Ham and Nottingham Forest, earning widespread criticism as a result.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [19 February, 11:43], Pardew shared: “The big problem I think David Moyes has at the moment is the window that’s just passed. They lost a couple of flair players and brought in Phillips.
“Kalvin Phillips just hasn’t worked out, he obviously got sent off at the weekend, he’s struggling to find himself, and he hasn’t had any game time. I personally think he’s a terrific player. Whether it was perfect for him to go to West Ham, I don’t know.”
Souness then asked: “Is he a Premier League player?” To which Pardew replied: “Kalvin Phillips? Yeah,” Souness continued: “Why do you say that?” and Pardew explained: “He’s been terrific for England.”
Souness then ranted: “England play Mickey Mouse games most of the time. With respect. They’re joke games. You can’t say he’s a very good player, I think he’s played 65 games in the Premier League. He’s still got to prove he’s a top player in the Premier League.”
What has happened to Kalvin Phillips at West Ham?
Since arriving at the London Stadium, Phillips has had a nightmare start. The initial hope concerning getting increased playing time has turned into a bigger issue than before.
With the European Championships approaching at the end of the season, Robbie Savage has even suggested the midfielder could lose his place in the team to 18-year-old Manchester United wonder Kobbie Mainoo.
The argument from Souness, to the point of suggesting he isn’t cut out for this level, goes slightly over the top given what Phillips has done with England under Gareth Southgate.
While the comment about the level of competition at international level is somewhat fair, he has also played key roles in major tournaments for his country and keeps other top Premier League midfielders away from Southgate’s squad.
In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling hit out at one Hammers fan live on air.
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