The 26-year-old joined the Club from Leeds United earlier this month, where he made over 200 appearances since making his debut back in 2015.
An equally important figure for his country, the midfielder featured in every match of England’s march to the Euro 2020 final and was named as the Three Lions’ player of the year for 2021.
And speaking on the first episode of our City on Tour Daily Show, former Club captain Zabaleta explained why he believes Phillips is perfectly suited to Pep Guardiola’s side.
He said: “Kalvin Phillips was playing number six at Leeds, sometimes it’s different when you play with two in midfield but as a one in front of the back four it’s a very similar role to what Rodri’s been doing (at City).
“If you want to challenge for all the trophies, you need a big squad, two big players in each position to give the manager a chance to rotate and have more options.
“He’s a great signing, an English lad, he knows the league well and for him to come to Manchester City is a big move.”
Zabaleta was joined by his former teammate Joleon Lescott on the broadcast, which is available in full on all of our digital platforms.
The ex-England defender agreed with the Argentine’s assessment of Phillips, revealing that the excitement around the midfielder – as well as fellow new recruits Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Stefan Oretga Moreno – is shared by the rest of Pep Guardiola’s men.
“It’s an impressive signing. Obviously Fernandinho will be sorely missed for the Club and dressing room but Kalvin Phillips as an acquisition is huge,” Lescott declared.
“He was voted England’s Player of the Year for 2021 so he’s a massive player to get and relatively young as well.
“The squad’s getting younger which is nice to see and there seems to be a great camaraderie around the group as well.
“I’ve been speaking to some of the lads that I know in the squad and they were excited about the signings yesterday as well.
“That’s pleasing when your teammates are getting excited about you, and it’s always nice.”
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MAN CITY APP - US TOUR COVERAGE
City face Club America in Houston and Bayern Munich in Green Bay this week.
Both matches are live on CITY+ (restrictions apply, see below for more information).
Our game with Mexican giants Club America will take place on Thursday 21 July at the NRG Stadium in Houston. That one gets under way at 19:30 (CDT)/01:30 (UK) time.
And our clash with Bayern Munich on Saturday 23 July will be played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. That one kicks off at 18:00 (CDT)/midnight (UK).
You’ll also be able follow the games via our Matchday Centre and Matchday Live studio show on the day of each game, with special guests Joleon Lescott and Pablo Zabaleta joining presenter Natalie Pike.
In addition to live coverage of the games, CITY+ subscribers will get full-match replays and Pitcam highlights.
We will also bring you live coverage of our two open training sessions via the Man City App and mancity.com.
CITY+ coverage in your region:
City v Club America is available to CITY+ subscribers everywhere, except the US and Mexico.
Bayern Munich v City is available to CITY+ subscribers in the UK, India and China.