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Photo by Carl Recine - Pool/Getty Images
Photo by Carl Recine - Pool/Getty Images

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Liverpool fans react to Kalvin Phillips’ display in Euro 2020 opener

Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris

A number of Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to comment on Kalvin Phillips‘ performance as the Leeds United midfielder shone as England opened their Euro 2020 campaign on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate’s men kicked off their tournament with a victory over Croatia. England controlled the large parts of the game, but often struggled to create the clear-cut chances they needed.

Phil Foden hit the post early on. And Phillips himself tested the goalkeeper with a thunderous volley from the edge of the box.

Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Harry Kane meanwhile, missed a brilliant opportunity at the back post during the second-half.

But England would get the win.

And Phillips proved to be a real standout performer for the Three Lions. The 25-year-old was the only player on either side to boast a flawless pass-completion record during the first-half.

And he was rewarded for the class he showed by producing a moment of magic to help England break the deadlock after the break.

He collected the ball down the right before cutting inside to find Raheem Sterling with a delicious pass into the box.

It was a moment of superb composure from the Leeds talisman. And it appears that plenty of rival fans took notice of Phillips’s performance at Wembley.

For Liverpool, this summer may be one in which the Reds improve their midfield options. Georginio Wijnaldum has left the club after five years.

And of course, Jurgen Klopp’s men endured some awful luck with injuries this past season.

For many, Phillips’s display in the Euro 2020 opener hinted that he would be an outstanding signing over the coming months.

Phillips outstanding as England open Euro 2020 campaign with win

Some feel that he is the kind of player Klopp would love to work with. It is truly remarkable just how good Phillips has been since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds.

He offered more of an attacking threat before Bielsa’s appointment, scoring seven Championship goals in the season beforehand.

Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

However, Bielsa’s arrival has completely transformed his game. He has been a revelation in holding midfield over the last few years.

He has stepped up every single year, proving that he can cut it in the Premier League this past season.

And he has now proved with England that he can still play in a more advanced role.

He has not always had the easiest time when playing for his country. Some felt compelled to defend him from criticism on social media following the win over San Marino earlier this year.

But many supporters felt that he was the best player on the pitch as England secured an encouraging win this weekend.

Of course, Leeds are not going to let Phillips leave anytime soon. The Whites remain on the up and Phillips is the fulcrum of their side.

‘Looks like a Klopp player’: Liverpool fans rave about Phillips’ display

But that has not stopped fans of rival clubs, including supporters of Liverpool, insisting that he would be a fantastic signing.

With that in mind, here is what some of the Liverpool fans made of Phillips’s display as England got off to a strong start at Euro 2020…