Jamie Carragher shares a fresh perspective on why a high-earning player at £150,000 per week is rarely seeing game time at Manchester City, suggesting, “If I were in his shoes, I might have considered leaving the club.”

Jamie Carragher has offered insights into why Kalvin Phillips is not getting ample playing time at Manchester City this season. Despite his struggles to secure a spot in the starting lineup, Phillips has faced stiff competition from Rodri, a highly regarded holding midfielder. Rodri has been a mainstay in the team, making it challenging for Phillips to break into the starting XI.

Carragher believes that Phillips’ issue isn’t related to his skill or ability to play at the level required for City. Instead, Carragher suggests that Phillips might not be asserting his personality enough within the team. He advocates for a more proactive approach, urging Phillips to treat training sessions like competitive matches and ensure he is noticed by the manager daily. This could involve being vocal, exhibiting a strong presence, engaging with the manager to understand his role better, and demonstrating tenacity in training.

The pundit acknowledges the daunting task of competing with Rodri, a world-class midfielder who plays a vital role in the team. Even when Rodri was suspended for three games, Pep Guardiola only used Phillips once, indicating the tough competition for the holding midfield position.

There have been debates regarding Phillips’ suitability for a club like Manchester City, with some suggesting that the standard might be too high for him. However, Carragher dismisses this notion, emphasizing that it’s more about Phillips asserting himself and making a strong impression in the eyes of the manager.

Phillips’ future at Manchester City seems uncertain, with speculations linking him to a potential January departure from the club. Despite his struggle for playing time, Carragher highlights Phillips’ importance in keeping the squad going and mentions the repercussions when he is absent from the team. The competition is intense at a club of Manchester City’s stature, and Phillips faces a significant challenge in cementing his place in the starting lineup, especially with the presence of a world-class player like Rodri in the squad.