Nigel Quashie shares what he absolutely loved about Nat Phillips on West Brom debut
Nat Phillips and Co. kept a clean sheet during the opening game of the season as West Brom defeated Blackburn Rovers 1-0.
Bringing Nat Phillips to The Hawthorns for just £3.5million always seemed like a shrewd piece of business, and after his performance against Blackburn, this just adds further evidence to those claims.
Phillips, alongside goalkeeper Josh Griffiths, impressed against Blackburn as the visitors were limited to creating just one big chance during the game.
The defender also caught the eye of former West Brom player Nigel Quashie, who was full of praise for Phillips.
Phillips’ leadership ‘vital’ for West Brom
Following the recent retirement of Kyle Bartley, his leadership role within the dressing room will need to be replaced if Mason’s side wants to push for the play-offs this season.
Phillips looks like he is willing to step into this role despite only recently arriving in the Black Country.
Quashie, who has transitioned into coaching after retirement, was in attendance at the game and posted his thoughts about Phillips early on during the game.
Writing on X, Quashie said: “What I liked was Nat Philips using his experience in slowing the game down by telling players to calm down from throw-ins, free kicks and general play.
“He’s been excellent and what will be vital for this group of players is leadership.”
Phillips’ stats vs Blackburn:
- Clearances – 13
- Interceptions – 2
- Tackles – 2
- Ground duels won – 5
- Aerial duels won – 6
Phillips will be a massive player for West Brom this season
Normally, new signings are afforded time to acclimatise to their surroundings and find their feet at their new club.
However, with Bartley’s retirement and Torbjorn Heggem’s uncertain future in B17 amid interest from Bologna, Phillips could be forced to be Mason’s main man in defence already.
If Mason’s side is to finish in the top six like they have been tipped to, then Phillips will be a vitally important part of the Albion backline, and if he continues to put in performances like the one against Blackburn, he will become a fan favourite for West Brom.
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