West Ham: David Moyes must bring on ‘exceptional’ Kalvin Phillips for second half v Everton
It is more than fair to suggest that Kalvin Phillips hasn’t had the best of starts to life at West Ham United.
The England midfielder – who was once described as “exceptional” by City boss Pep Guardiola (Daily Mail) – reportedly chose the Hammers over a host of other clubs to sign on loan from Manchester City in the January transfer window.
But he conceded a penalty on debut against Bournemouth and was at fault for a goal against Manchester United in his second outing before being dropped from the XI in the 6-0 rout by Arsenal.
Things worsened when Phillips was sent off for two bookable offences in the 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on 17 February, which meant he missed the 4-2 win over Brentford due to suspension – the Hammers’ first victory of 2024.
So, it was little surprise really when he was not named among the starting lineup for the clash with Everton on Saturday (2 March) but in some ways it felt like a misstep from David Moyes not to play him.
Everton headed into the clash at Goodison Park on a nine-match winless run in the Premier League and a team in that sort of form would have been ideal to play Phillips against.
Moreover, with Everton usually employing a more stoic, defensive-minded set-up – not too dissimilar to Moyes – Phillips’ passing ability could be a weapon.
Should Kalvin Phillips come on for West Ham v Everton at Goodison Park?
Which is why Moyes must make the decision to bring on the former Leeds United midfielder for the second half at Goodison Park.
With Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate spotted in the stands at Goodison Park there is even greater incentive for Phillips to put on a show.
As good as they were against Brentford, Tomas Soucek was a man guilty of missing several chances in that fixture and should be the man sacrificed to allow Phillips to try and open up a game that was goalless heading into half-time after Alphonse Areola saved a Beto penalty.
The Czech undoubtedly poses a good goal threat, especially from set-pieces, but it feels like having Phillips on the pitch would present him with a great opportunity to find some form and it might also prove a tactical masterstroke from Moyes.
In other West Ham news, a David Moyes contract update was shared pre-kick-off.
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