Chelsea defensive midfielder scouting series part three: Kalvin Phillips

5 of 5

Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel (R) celebrates with Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger after the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 17, 2021. – Chelsea won 1-0. – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

5. Conclusion

It is still yet to be seen if Tuchel would stick to a 3-4-3 next season, but whatever formation he decides, Phillips clearly has the technical know-how and work rate to excel in either a central midfield role in a two-man midfield, or a defensive midfield role in a 3 man midfield, or even a lone defensive midfielder role. His long ball accuracy means Phillips would also be an option in breaking opposition lines, as well as utilizing the pitch with accurate switches of play.

He created six clear cut chances in the Championship last season and has created four clear cut chances already in the Premier League this season. Kante created one last season and has created two this season. Phillips’s chance creation numbers show that he will be another outlet for creating chances, and in a 3-4-3 this will reduce the load on the three attackers.

Moving to a 3-man midfield with Phillips at the base, would allow Tuchel to include more attacking players in the line-up. Philips would not be cheap though, he’s English and he came through Leeds United’s academy. He’s made 188 senior appearances for them and is an England international. He’s a key player for Leeds and is clearly technically gifted. Leeds will not easily part with Phillips, and Chelsea may have to pay a premium to pry him from their clutches. His contract runs till 2024 as well, which gives Leeds United the bargaining power.

Next. Chelsea defensive midfielder scouting part two: Wilfred Ndidi. dark

Statistics are updated to April 23, 2021. Data is extracted from FBRef.com, WhoScored.com and Sofascore.com

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