According to one of the latest reports by Mirror, Burnley are keeping a close tab on West Bromwich Albion ace Matt Phillips. Apart from the Clarets, Cardiff City are also keen to make Phillips sign on the dotted line and it will be interesting to see which club has the last laugh in the coming weeks.
Matt Phillips: Player Profile
Having started his youth career with Wycombe Wanderers, Phillips quickly climbed the ladder and represented their senior side for a couple of seasons before moving to Blackpool. While he was on their books, he was loaned out to Sheffield United.
In the summer of 2013, he moved to the ranks of Queens Park Rangers and after a successful spell with the London based outfit, he was signed by Burnley in the summer transfer window of 2016. Besides, he has also represented the Scotland national side on 13 occasions.
Phillips has had a productive season so far for the Baggies and has cemented himself as one of their most valuable players. In 22 appearances in the Championship this term, the 27-year-old has plundered 5 goals and 6 assists with an average pass completion rate of 76.8%.
The Throstles will loathe losing him this month, considering their aspirations of getting back into the English top flight. He has only 18 months left on his current contract at the Hawthorns and West Bromwich Albion are desperate to extend his stay beyond that.
Attributes
A player with a huge amount of experience under his belt, the winger is thoroughly accustomed to English football and is well aware of the animosity that it serves up. He offers versatility owing to his ability to operate as a central midfielder, central attacking midfielder as well as a right-sided wing-back.
Phillips is strong in the air and possesses the speed to trouble the opposition backline. He is an excellent dribbler and an astute crosser of the ball which make him an important asset for the club. Besides, he is also a set-piece specialist and it is no wonder Burnley have him on their radar.
Should Burnley go all in?
Sean Dyche’s side are struggling in the league at the moment, having collected 18 points from 21 games and are placed at the 16th spot in the standings. Burnley do need reinforcements to enhance their chances of survival and bettering their credentials in the league and a proven package like Phillips could be beneficial for them.
