West Ham linked with a defender that dominated them last year
West Ham is using the motto “if you can’t beat them, sign him up.” The Hammers are linked with Nat Phillips, and the move completely makes sense.
It comes as no surprise that West Ham’s Gaffer, David Moyes, wants to bolster the center-back position. With Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson both over 30, help needs to be on the way to avoid a crisis. The Hammers have youth lined up at the CB position, and Issa Diop is a solid backup, but getting in another poised defender is just what the doctor ordered.
Insert Liverpool and Nat Phillips. It has been reported that Jurgen Klopp will demand around £10 for the defender, and West Ham should be all over that, especially with their lack of funds. Phillips, a Liverpool prospect since 2016, has been on a journeyman’s adventure since joining the club. However, last season he finally made his mark for the Red’s senior side.
Phillips played in 17 domestic matches where he completed around 87% of his passes and finished off 13 tackles while in a critical position. Out of those 17 matches in the EPL, Phillips also faced West Ham twice, dominating both matches with ease in winning both matches.
West Ham linked with a defender that dominated them last year
In the Hammer’s first clash with Liverpool in October of 2020, they lost 2-1, and Phillips had a huge part in that defeat. According to whoscored.com, he held 7% of the possession with ease, won five aerials, and dispossessed the Hammers twice, earning him a 6.9 rating.
In match number two, he earned the same rating from whoscored.com but got even better statistically. Phillips averaged just above 86% in the accuracy column, won four aerials, and completed a key tackle. This time the Reds won 3-1 and took all six points for the campaign.
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Phillips will surely be looking for playing time due to Liverpool adding a few new additions around the squad. It’s a win-win for both parties, as David Moyes could certainly use the help at the back. Stay close to this one, as this would be a huge acquisition for West Ham before their European campaign takes flight.