Journalist singles out ‘wildcard’ Matt Phillips for praise following Leeds draw
Matt Phillips has become West Brom boss Carlos Corberan’s “wildcard” option who can do a job no matter where he is fielded, according to journalist Joseph Chapman.
The Birmingham Live reporter described Phillips as a “Swiss Army knife” in an opinion piece for the online publication on Saturday [19 August].
Chapman added: “Corberan loves Matt Phillips… As a left winger, he scored a fine goal at Ewood Park on the opening day, before the misfortune of [Brandon] Thomas-Asante at Stoke City meant that his versatility would be relied upon against Swansea last weekend.
“Although without a goal, Phillips led the line admirably. Then here, at Leeds, Corberan played his wildcard.
“Phillips displaced Conor Townsend – who incidentally had also played well against Swansea – and operated as a left wing back, requiring to oversee plenty of work in both halves of the pitch against the swashbuckling [Luke] Ayling.
“He won that particular battle and was unfortunate not to have left Elland Road with an assist or two. It’s been an impressive start to the season for Phillips, who has underlined why Corberan values him so highly.”
Reinventing himself
As West Brom tweeted on their official account on Saturday [19 August], Phillips really is their “Mr. Versatile”.
It was at left wing-back he was used against Leeds United, and he played a big part in an at times backs-to-the-wall 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
Having a player who can be used in multiple positions, whether it be in defensive or attacking areas, is a dream for any manager.
Phillips will rarely top any metrics, but so much of his work goes under the radar, as highlighted by Corberan after the draw with Leeds.
The Scotland international is into his eighth campaign as a West Brom player and, now aged 32, is continuing to reinvent himself.
So often for versatile players, the story is ‘jack of all trades, master of none’.
That would be harsh in Phillips’ case, though, as he has caught the eye in all three of Albion’s games this season.
Ahead of facing Middlesbrough next Saturday [26 August], the question is not whether Phillips will start, but exactly where will he start?
In other West Brom news, Corberan has given his view on Albion’s controversial goal against Leeds.