Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski believes Ashley Phillips would be ready to step up to the Premier League if called upon.
Ashley Phillips is being backed to make the adjustment to Premier League life if Tottenham Hotspur call upon him.
That is the verdict of Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski, who has been asked about Phillips potentially stepping up.
Tottenham lost 4-1 at home to Chelsea on Monday night, playing out one of the most chaotic games in recent Premier League history.
Tottenham suffered three defensive blows; red cards for Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie as well as a major hamstring injury for Micky van de Ven.
That leaves Tottenham without a number of defensive options moving forward, potentially forcing Ange Postecoglou to use Phillips…
Dejan Kulusevski comments on Tottenham Hotspur talent Ashley Phillips
Teenager Phillips joined Tottenham from Blackburn Rovers over the summer, securing a £2million deal for the centre back.
Phillips has yet to make his Premier League debut for Spurs but has featured on the bench in three games.
Ange Postecoglou has allegedly been encouraged, believing that Phillips could step up following the sale of Davinson Sanchez to Galatasaray.
We have yet to see that materialise but the absences of Romero and Van de Ven may force Postecoglou’s hand.
Tottenham winger Dejan Kulusevski has now been asked about Phillips, having seen him in first-team training this season.
Kulusevski has told Football London that he thinks Phillips is probably ‘ready’ to step up if called upon, believing that the level of training is so high that the teenager can make a Premier League impact.
“Yeah probably he is ready,” said Kulusevski. “It is the coach that decides that, but I think every player is unbelievable in the training. Everybody is ready, everybody wants to play and it is so high level the training. So, if he will be called, he will be ready,” he added.
Who is Tottenham talent Phillips?
Phillips spent time in the Curzon Ashton ranks before heading to Blackburn Rovers in 2017.
The 6ft 4in defender played 14 first-team games for Rovers last season, showing enormous potential with the Championship club.
Phillips has also been a regular in the England youth ranks, recording 11 caps for the under-19’s.
Phillips was branded ‘phenomenal’ by Tony Mowbray at Blackburn and a host of Premier League clubs were keen before Tottenham got the deal done.
The 18-year-old is being backed for a big future, but may now need to make his Premier League debut earlier than expected.
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