Former Stoke City coach Kevin Phillips has given an honest opinion on Jack Butland as reports recently linked him with a move to Liverpool before the domestic deadline passes.
Phillips doesn't hold back about Butland
The 27-year-old has fallen out of favour with the Potters, with Welshman Adam Davies being the preferred choice in between the sticks for manager Michael O'Neill.
Butland, who has won nine caps for England, only kept nine clean sheets in 35 appearances for the Potters in the Championship last season (as per TransferMarkt), with his side finishing 15th in the table.
Obviously, this is not where Stoke want to be as they seek to return to the Premier League, which may have influenced O'Neill decision to swap his goalkeepers around for the new season.
Butland has recently been linked with a move to Premier League champions Liverpool, with their first-choice shot-stopper Alisson Becker ruled out with a shoulder injury and Adrian having a horror show against Aston Villa.
With this in mind, one of his former colleagues may have an explanation for this having yet to make a league outing this season. Phillips worked alongside Butland at the bet365 Stadium and revealed details about the Englishman which may worry Liverpool fans, telling Football Insider:
“Over the past two years, Jack has been far too inconsistent. When I worked with him he made far too many mistakes.
“For me, he has fallen right down the pecking order of Championship goalkeepers.
“Jack possibly had his head turned a few years ago and has taken his eye off the ball a little bit in recent seasons.
“Look what happened to Joe Hart, how quickly he faded away. I think it is a similar scenario with Jack.”
Liverpool fans right to be concerned about Butland
The comparison to Hart, who has had a nomadic existence since losing his status as England's number one, is a damning indictment of Butland and one that may cause some concern for the Anfield faithful. If Phillips is saying this having previously worked alongside Butland, Jurgen Klopp must proceed with extreme caution if he going to sign him before the domestic transfer window shuts on Friday.
Let's not forget, Alisson is not exactly out for the season, so whatever changes that the German tactician opts to make would only be a temporary measure. With league leaders Everton on the horizon for them, Klopp has a huge decision to make over the course of the week.
Liverpool fans, what are your thoughts on Kevin Phillips' comments? Do you agree or disagree? Join the discussion by commenting below...