Arsenal star Declan Rice has given his verdict on Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Rice plays with Phillips for the England national football team, and he has noted what he likes about the reported Arsenal target.
So, what has Declan Rice said about Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips? Let’s take a look.
What’s the story?
Well, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been speaking about his England international teammate Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips is struggling for playing time at Manchester City and could reportedly leave in the January transfer window.
Arsenal are among the clubs who are keen on the 27-year-old former Leeds United star.
According to TuttoJuve, Arsenal want to bring in Phillips as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey.
Juventus want Partey on a loan deal, and if the Ghanaian leaves, then Arsenal would like to bring in Phillips.
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Rice told talkSPORT about Phillips: “He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you.
“I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely and with Kal, every time he comes back here he pops on a shirt and puts in 110 per cent.
“He played with me against Scotland and I think that was his first start in a while and he played really well, so I’ll never question his professionalism and I don’t think any of the lads will.
“As a person as well, he’s an all-round top guy and he brings that onto the pitch. It’s obviously difficult when you’re not playing as a footballer and I know he wants to be playing more, for sure, but mentally he hasn’t broken.
“He hasn’t thrown his toys out of the pram. He gives everything every day, he still improves and still plays with a smile on his face so I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Kalvin Phillips would be a brilliant signing for Arsenal
In my opinion, Kalvin Phillips would be a superb signing for Arsenal and would be an upgrade on Thomas Partey.
Just because Phillips has not been a success at Manchester City does not mean that he cannot star at Arsenal.
Martin Odegaard could not make an impact at Real Madrid, but the Norway international attacking midfielder has grown and developed under manager Mikel Arteta.
I believe that Phillips could follow a similar trajectory. After all, he did exceptionally well when he was at Leeds United, first in the Championship and then in the Premier League.
As Declan Rice has noted, he has played with Phillips for England. The two players could gel together at Arsenal as well.
Interest from Liverpool and Newcastle United shows just how highly Phillips is rated in the footballing community.
Partey is 30 now and has had injury problems. Phillips is 27, and his best years are ahead of him.