He does know an awful lot about his job, and the more I read and watch, he really does indeed sort of fit the mould of Fern. Great reader, ball winner, tremendous engine, suprisingly good vision and passing range. I just dunno. Fern was quite nippy in his prime, and had a neat touch. He also really helped with a tidy short passing game, lots of near one touch stuff. I really don't quite see that in Philips. I don't really know his character that well either. For me, there's something a bit meh about him, 26, at this level. Fern had proven himself extensively in the CL. I get this feeling we might find ourselves saying, good, but not great... mostly because Tika-Taka. But if he is there to really do the destructive job above all else, there are very few better.