David Moyes: Kalvin Phillips will become a 'key player' for West Ham

Heinrich Griessel
10 February 2024

West Ham boss David Moyes has assured Kalvin Phillips that he will have plenty of time to establish himself in the squad.

The England midfielder completed a high-profile loan switch from Manchester City during the January transfer window.

Phillips, though, endured a nightmare West Ham debut on February 1 when his mistake gifted Bournemouth an early goal from what was almost his first touch in claret and blue.

The 28-year-old started on the bench for last weekend's Premier League game at Manchester United, coming on for the final 20 minutes of what ended as a 3-0 defeat.

Moyes, though, was not concerned over any lack of match sharpness as former Leeds midfielder Phillips looks for regular first-team club football again ahead of Euro 2024.

"We brought him in to be a key player for us. I believe he will be," said Moyes, whose side are without a win in six games through all competitions.

"He is going to take a little bit of time just to get himself back up and running, but that's fine. I have got no problem with that.

"We have got good midfield players, he is in addition to them. I need him to supplement what I have got - help out through injuries and suspension.

"Hopefully his form would mean that he is always a starter. We are happy to give them a bit of time and let him break his way in."

Former Irons captain Declan Rice will be looking to help drive Arsenal on in their Premier League title push when he heads back to his old club again on Sunday.

Moyes sees no reason why the 25-year-old - who guided West Ham to Europa Conference League success last season - should be the subject of a hot reception, having left to join the Gunners during the summer in a £105million deal.

"He is such a talented player and someone who we admire so much. He will be welcomed back with open arms here," Moyes said at a press conference.

"Declan came to see us the last time he was here when we had them in the Carabao Cup (during November).

"He is thought the world of by everybody behind the scenes here and the same way by all the West Ham supporters, for what he did for the club over the years, the way he conducted himself.

"If you look at the class he showed when we all sort of knew he was leaving, with a lot of media attention about it, he showed great qualities.

"He attended the (club) functions, dealt with young West Ham supporters, so he deserves respect for all those things as well."