Speaking on the All To Play For Podcast, Joe Cole has been comparing Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips with Mason Mount.
Cole was analysing England’s midfield options for the remainder of the European Championships, and he says that Mount is a better footballer than Phillips, naming the Chelsea man as one of the most important players at the tournament.
What’s been said?
Cole says that he watched Phillips against the Czech Republic and he came to the conclusion that Mount was the better footballer.
“I was watching Phillips in particular and I was thinking what does he bring that Mason Mount couldn’t bring in that area, because Mason Mount is a better footballer, there’s no doubt in my mind he’s one of the most important players at the tournament, but in that deep position Phillips brings a physicality and a defensive instinct next to Rice, it’s almost like having four centre-halves in there,” Cole said.
Southgate’s dilemma
Joe Cole’s comments perfectly encapsulate Gareth Southgate’s dilemma when it comes to selecting his England XI.
Is Mount technically a better footballer than Phillips? Of course he is, he’s a Champions League winner and one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League, but when you’re playing a pragmatic system, Phillips is the man you’d look towards.
It remains to be seen whether Phillips or Mount start in the heart of midfield against Germany, but we certainly don’t envy Southgate for having to make such a decision.
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