Danny Murphy is adamant that David Moyes needs to include Kalvin Phillips in West Ham’s lineup for their crucial Sunday clash against Arsenal on 11 February, despite Phillips’ shaky start.
West Ham aims to secure a top-six position in the Premier League and achieve their first league victory since defeating Arsenal on 28 December. The match is set at the London Stadium, where they’ll welcome their city rivals.
Phillips, who joined West Ham on loan from Manchester City during the January transfer window, has faced challenges adjusting to his new team, with notable mistakes in his initial appearances against Bournemouth and Manchester United.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on 11 February, Match of the Day analyst Murphy emphasized the importance of Moyes’ support for Phillips during this time. He argued that benching Phillips for the upcoming game could significantly hinder the player’s adjustment and confidence. Murphy reflected on his own experience transitioning from Liverpool to Charlton, highlighting the critical role of managerial support in overcoming early setbacks.
Murphy believes that despite Phillips’ errors since joining West Ham, it’s crucial to remember the adjustment period new signings, including Phillips, undergo. The expectation of immediate perfection is unrealistic, and errors are a natural part of adapting to a new team.
West Ham’s decision to sign Phillips was not made lightly. His experience, maturity, and skill set are highly valued, and his role as an England international underscores his caliber. Phillips’ move was motivated by a desire to regain his form and confidence, and West Ham provides the perfect platform for this.
Murphy suggests that Phillips could form a formidable midfield partnership with summer acquisition Edson Alvarez. This combination could prove pivotal for West Ham as they face Arsenal, highlighting the importance of Moyes’ faith in Phillips’ abilities and the potential impact on the team’s performance.
