Who is Ashley Phillips? Blackburn sensation wanted by Man Utd and Chelsea

Martin Macdonald

7 Feb 2022 12:02 GMT
3 min read

Blackburn Rovers have a fight on their hands to keep hold of talented young central defender Ashley Phillips.

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He is yet to make his debut in the Championship, but has been impressing with excellent performances for Blackburn Under 21s.

So, what kind of player is he?

What position does Ashley Phillips play?

Phillips plays as a centre-back.

How good is Ashley Phillips?

Phillips' physical attributes make him a perfect candidate to make it as a Premier League centre-back.

He is 6ft 4in so can handle himself in the air, but also has a tremendous turn of pace which allows him to keep up with quick attackers.

His blend of pace, power and height has earned him comparisons with Virgil van Dijk.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray outlined his talents to Lancs Live:

"He's 6ft 4', he's fast, mobile and can pass it really well. He can use both feet, he's composed.

"Ash is just a phenomenal young boy; if you were to create a defender in the mould of how you would want one, this kid has got every attribute.

"But he is still just a young boy. He needs time, which is why he's training with the first-team so that he gets confident and used to the level of intensity.

📝 — #mufc and Chelsea lead the queue for Blackburn's teen sensation Ashley Phillips. He is rated as the best discovery at Rovers for years and a genuine top-level prospect at club and country level #mujournal

[@reluctantnicko]

— United Journal (@theutdjournal) February 5, 2022

"He's an exciting prospect, is all I'd say. But it's in a position where there is a lot of responsibility.

"It's not as easy to put a really talented young defender in as opposed to a talented young striker where it doesn't matter if he loses the ball every now and then.

"As a defender, you're judged on keeping the ball out of the net and winning your individual duels.

"He is just a boy but he's got some amazing attributes. We've got high hopes that he can progress quickly."

What clubs are interested in Ashley Phillips?

Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the race for his signature currently, but the Sun reports that it would take a "fortune" to sign the player anytime soon as he is under contract with Blackburn despite being just 16.

Everton and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on Phillips.