Kalvin Phillips

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

Want him to do well but it’s like he’s running through treacle at times; the barometer will be if he’s ignored v Arsenal, which he will, that should be enough to tell the lad it’s time to mine on!

 

[Colin Bells Boots]

Because of the stick he's received since he's been here, a number of posters have now taken it upon themselves to go into overdrive defending him at every turn, regardless of what he does when on the pitch. You can't criticise him now without a backlash from a handful with their blinkers on.

He's slow, lethargic, off the pace, hides, doesn't make himself available often enough to receive the ball from the back line, isn't good with it in tight spaces when he does, makes too many wrong decisions. For whatever reason, he just does not work in our team, and this is exactly why Pep is reluctant to play him.

If Kovacic is fit, he's gonna play.

Wrong assumption on your part - in my opinion !

 

[Cheadle_hulmeBlue]

Because of the stick he's received since he's been here, a number of posters have now taken it upon themselves to go into overdrive defending him at every turn, regardless of what he does when on the pitch. You can't criticise him now without a backlash from a handful with their blinkers on.

He's slow, lethargic, off the pace, hides, doesn't make himself available often enough to receive the ball from the back line, isn't good with it in tight spaces when he does, makes too many wrong decisions. For whatever reason, he just does not work in our team, and this is exactly why Pep is reluctant to play him.

If Kovacic is fit, he's gonna play.

I’d also say there’s a number of posters who are going over the top in their criticism of him. I thought he played alright today.

When you say a handful I’d say a large percentage want him to do well and just want to support him - clear as anything at the match

 

[YatesA]

When Rodri came everyone said he was slow. Heck even as soon as a year ago people were saying he is slow. But he reads the game and you don’t need speed to play good. He needs games and go get up to rhythm

Rodri has an impeccable touch, turn and strength so it isn't an issue with him. Phillips looked off balance, slow and meandering but of course it could be the lack of match fitness

 

[wolviedinho]

I thought he did alright. Looked for the ball and kept it a few times with runs down the right channel. He’s no Rodri clearly, but he was fine today

i hope he starts midweek but i think kovacic comes in for the prem games.

I would say he plays more like Fernando. He is more of a scrapper. Unfortunately for him, this trait is noticeable beside silky players.

If he is to play it cat be as a sole dm. He needs a Bernie or kova beside him.

No point comparing Kavlin to Rodri as it’s just not fair nor accurate. He looked ok but not great once he came on. Did some good things A run in the team for a few games will take the rust off.

Pivotal moment in his city career coming up.

 

[skillman]

He’s just…slow. If he’s to play there in Rodri’s absence then he’ll need somebody next, and close to, him.

But I think we’ll see Kovacic there being protected with runners around him. Like Gundo in 18/19 was when Fernandinho was injured.

 

[grim up north]

Anyone who sugar coats that performance is living in cloud cuckoo land. Bad touches, hiding from the ball, mistiming jumps for headers, no clue how to keep the ball. Awful player who will cost us at some point.

Football isn’t really for you

 

[grim up north]

Half of you lot have only supported City for 10 years.

Just half

 

[bluemystery]

Decent 45 or so mins from him today I thought

 

[WestGorton]

Decent 45 or so mins from him today I thought

Agreed. He did well.