Liverpool defender Nat Phillips secured a loan move to AFC Bournemouth on the deadline day in search of game time. The 24-year-old center-back has only played 3 games this season. The return of Joe Gomez and Virgil Van Dijk from long-term injuries and the signing of RB Leipzig defender Ibrahim Konate has seen Philips fall down the pecking order.
Nat Philips had a breakthrough season last year when he stepped up in the absence of Van Dijk and Gomez. He featured in 17 Premier League matches and showed his grit and determination as a ball-winning 6’2 tall center back. With 1 appearance in the EFL Cup and 2 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, the player has seen the face of the bench for the majority of the season.
His loan move to Bournemouth makes a lot of sense for both parties. Bournemouth are hopeful of gaining promotion back to the Premier League. They are currently in 3rd position in the Championship. Their new manager Scott Parker has already led his team to two successful championship seasons. Fulham were promoted twice under his leadership in the last few years.
Decoding the reasons behind Nat Phillips move :
Nat Phillips has proved his mettle after playing in high-pressure games for Liverpool FC last season. He has also played in the Champions League and shown what he can do at the highest level. A move to the promotion hopefuls Bournemouth makes a lot of sense for both parties. Liverpool are packed with well-proven center backs hence, the future for Nat Philips is still unclear.
He has proved that he is ready to play in the Premier League week in week out. Bournemouth have conceded the least amount of goals in the Championship and Philips will only strengthen their backline.
Come May, both Phillips and Bournemouth will hope to gain automatic promotion to the highest level of English Football. This chance is the perfect audition for Nat Phillips to prove his credentials to his parent club, Liverpool. Meanwhile, the other Premier League clubs will also be keeping a watch on his performance as his chances of breaking into the Liverpool team are slim.
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