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Phillips has demonstrated in his two Premier League seasons that he is equally as effective as
Rodri. Although he has outperformed the Man City player in terms of tackles, interceptions, and
turnovers over the past two seasons, Leeds plays defence more frequently than the defending
champions of the English Premier League.
Although Leeds does not have the same level of game-control as City, it is interesting to note
that Phillips is statistically more confident and at ease on the ball than Rodri. The Spaniard, who
has a lower forward passing rate compared to the Leeds midfielder, takes players on less
frequently than Phillips.
In the meantime, if Phillips were to come to the Etihad Stadium this summer, City would have
the top two ball recovery players in the league competing for the same spot in their squad.
Last
term, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo, and Declan Rice were among those who excelled
in this area, but Phillips came in second with 12.87 recoveries for every 1000 opposing touches,
trailing only Rodri (17.01).
It also means that Phillips is a ready-made option should Guardiola wish to rest Rodri or if the
Spanish midfielder is having a rare bad day for City. Phillips is just as confident and at ease on
the ball as well as effective in defence.
When City and Leeds met for the first time in October 2020, the two sides played out an Elland
Road thriller, and Guardiola saw exactly what Phillips can bring to the table. Phillips was one of
the standout players on the field under Marcelo Bielsa, who had a significant impact on Pep
Guardiola's managerial style.
Phillips claimed possession more frequently than any other player
on the field, and only Rodri took the ball away from opponents more frequently in the middle
third.