Why Nat Phillips Could Be the Ideal Centre-Back Solution for West Ham United
As the 2021 January Transfer Window swings open, clubs across Europe are eager to strengthen their squads. For some teams, this means addressing critical gaps and reinforcing key areas of concern. One such team is West Ham United, who despite their progress under David Moyes, find themselves needing bolstering at centre-back. In this comprehensive analysis, we examine why Liverpool defender Nat Phillips stands out as a perfect candidate to fortify West Ham’s defensive line.
Assessing West Ham United’s Defensive Challenges
Under David Moyes, West Ham United have made notable strides, blending youth with experience to achieve competitive results. However, their defence has come under strain due to injuries, particularly to first-choice options such as Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma. While back-ups like Craig Dawson and Issa Diop have stepped up, a noticeable drop in defensive solidity has hindered the Hammers’ momentum during crucial periods.
Moyes frequently deploys a back-three when circumstances require, underscoring the value of depth and quality at centre-back. With injuries piling up and no clear “black hole” but a gap in quality and consistency, adding another robust defender becomes a strategic necessity for West Ham as they hope to maintain their charge up the Premier League table.
Breaking Down Nat Phillips’ Core Qualities
Nat Phillips played a vital role for Liverpool during the 2020-21 season, especially during Virgil Van Dijk’s extended absence. While not as composed as Van Dijk, the 6’3” centre-back brings an assertive, aerially dominant presence at the heart of defence. He thrives on physical duels and is a relentless competitor in the air, regularly challenging and winning headers on both defence and set-pieces.
Key attributes that make Phillips so appealing for a club like West Ham include:
– Exceptional aerial duel success rate
– High volume of clearances per match
– Strong progressive passing and long-ball delivery
– Courage and resilience, consistently putting his body on the line
While Phillips isn’t noted for smooth ball progression or 1v1 defending—his tackle success rate is relatively low (17%)—he excels when partners or the tactical system reduce his exposure to direct duels in open space. Within a well-organized, deep defensive unit like West Ham’s, his strengths are maximized.
Comparing Phillips to Current West Ham Defenders and Other Targets
To understand Phillips’ fit, it’s important to compare his recent stats with West Ham’s existing centre-backs and other potential transfer targets, such as Burnley’s James Tarkowski.
| Defender | Season | Aerial Duels Won/90 | Clearances/90 | Tackle Success % | Progressive Passes/90 | Goals Last Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nat Phillips | 2020-21 (Liverpool) | 5.9 | 8.7 | 17% | High | 1 |
| Craig Dawson | 2021-22 (West Ham) | Lower | Lower | Similar | Lower | 1 |
| Issa Diop | 2021-22 (West Ham) | Lower | Lower | Less | Lower | 0 |
| James Tarkowski | 2021-22 (Burnley) | Competitive | Competitive | Higher | Lower | 2 |
Looking at both defensive and possession-based metrics, Phillips outperforms Dawson and Diop in almost every critical area except tackling. In addition, as a 24-year-old, he still has potential to develop, whereas Tarkowski, at 29, may offer less long-term value despite his consistency.
Phillips’ Suitability for the West Ham System
West Ham’s defensive philosophy under Moyes relies on structure, aerial dominance, and set-piece strength. Their defenders are typically tasked with direct, no-nonsense clearance work, sacrificing style for effectiveness. Phillips is a natural extension of this ethos:
– Excels in crowded penalty areas, clearing threats and contesting high balls
– Not dependent on dribbling or initiating play under pressure, reducing his exposure to weaknesses
– Adds value during set-pieces, both defensively and as a potential scoring threat
Though his attacking output (1 goal last season) is modest, his ability in the air suggests plenty of untapped set-piece threat with dedicated coaching.
Transfer Value and Practical Considerations
Currently, Phillips sits behind Virgil Van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate in Liverpool’s pecking order, limiting his game time. Liverpool are reportedly open to a transfer, with Transfermarkt valuing him at around £7 million.
For West Ham, this represents a bargain, especially when compared with other targets such as Tarkowski, who could fetch upwards of £20 million. The relatively low cost, combined with Phillips’ age and suitability, makes this a shrewd move for a club looking to solve a depth issue without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: A Logical Move for West Ham
While West Ham have needs in several areas, reinforcing their back line with a player of Nat Phillips’ qualities could help them compete for European places throughout the season. His strengths align perfectly with David Moyes’ tactical approach, and at £7 million, he offers exceptional value—statistically outperforming current squad options and offering more longevity than pricier targets.
In summary, securing Nat Phillips would allow West Ham to address ongoing defensive concerns with minimal risk and real potential upside, strengthening their case for another successful Premier League campaign.
