Yeah, I think it's unlikely if he were a tad more consistent or (as daft as it sounds) gets into the game more when he isn't scoring/assisting, we wouldn't have managed to get him in the first place, let alone have kept him this long. He'd be right up there in the championship. He's extremely talented in this league, and his numbers for a midfielder for a decent to eventual quite crap team over the last couple of years are incredible, they're off the charts. There's a reason he was touted for big things when in the Liverpool academy. He certainly has many qualities!
I just see no reason to pick out his faults when he more than delivers in the role he's playing. Anyway, I've done fanboying. The topic has run its course for me. I have enjoyed him being here, he's proven one of our best signings in recent years, if not the best. But I'm not fussed if he leaves. Because I've seen better come and go. That's football. And this club should always sell its best performers assuming the money adds up. Goodnight and God bless.
Agreed. We would, and perhaps it would be a top Championship club that would pay a very substantial amount for him.
His stats you can't argue with. The frustration is he can go missing and sometimes even hide. I don't know why he does that because if he imposed himself more he could be playing at a much higher level. He has good technique, a cracking shot on him and a good eye for a range of passing. He should be the hub of our team. But for whatever reason, he seems content showing his ability in flashes. I appreciate what he can bring when he wants but I can't say he's a player I especially like and once he's gone I certainly wouldn't hold him in the same stead as true greats of ours. A pity, because he's clearly talented and at less effort he can do more than many who put 100% effort in. Barnsley fans often want 100% effort above all else. They love a trier. And I think with Phillips, that's perhaps why he doesn't get universal love.
Never took any offence at all - as with YT - and always respect both of your opinions (As I do with loads on here) I just didnt want it escalating as I've seen with some stuff on here in years gone by (Not yourself or YT by the way) it can soon turn!
I've come to this thread late (thankfully). The only thing I'll add, is out of all the shortcomings of the team this season, Philips' inconsistency isn't one of them and probably wouldn't make my top 10.
I’ve just scrolled through 4 pages of this & why does barely anyone acknowledge the most obvious & glaring reason why Adam Phillips is playing worse than the past two seasons? He’s had his position changed. I honestly think it’s that simple. I can’t understand why people would rather go to conspiracy theories about downing tools & having his head turned than look to the obvious issue. He is a Frank Lampard type of player. His biggest assets are arriving in the box late & often finishing first time & his other biggest asset is his defence splitting passes which he delivers from a bit deeper. We’ve taken all that away from him. He now plays higher & wider so he isn’t getting the same opportunities to arrive in the box late & he isn’t getting involved in the build up play centrally. He’s played the same position as DKD but on the other side. That position suits DKD as he’s got quick feet & is good in tight spaces. It doesn’t suit Phillips at all. That takes away all his strengths. I think he will play a lot better if we play the same system Hourihane used on Tuesday night as one of two central midfielders ahead of the sitting midfielder. If we revert to the system that we’ve played for most of the season then Phillips will struggle.
Yep. Me and my son said exactly same on our way down to the game on Tuesday. His game has dropped off a cliff since he's been played in that wide position.
