Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes new West Ham signing Kalvin Phillips will have to adapt to a different style of play under manager David Moyes.

The England international struggled during his 18 months at Manchester City, with manager Pep Guardiola stating the player was not suited to his system and, speaking to Planet Premier League, Fabregas said that Phillips’ has it all to prove after making the switch from the Etihad to the London Stadium:

“It’s an interesting move [to West Ham] as well because, again, he’s going from a type of play to a completely different type of game at West Ham because, at West Ham, they just drop deep, they watch the ball coming, they’re waiting for the ball, and then they have transitions and counter-attacks. Not a team that has possession or, in theory [work to] his strengths…”

“Again, he will need to re-adapt but maybe we will see if this was the real problem. Maybe now he goes to West Ham, with a different type of game, and he starts feeling comfortable, and we will see the best out of him. Is it to do with confidence? Is it because really the game plan or the style of play of City really didn’t match him up, we will find out very soon.”

Phillips will improve West Ham’s midfield

There is no doubt that the Hammers pulled off a massive coup by securing the signature of the former Leeds player on loan. While it is right to ask questions about his difficulties at City, it is doubtful that he’ll have the same issues getting game time with his new club.

Moyes will likely ask Phillips to play to his strengths, and he could well strike up a great partnership with the likes of James Ward-Prowse in the middle of the park.