Kalvin Phillips Ends Cristiano Ronaldo-Lionel Messi GOAT Debate and Shockingly Snubs Erling Haaland For Arsenal Legend

Soccer players often get puzzled when they are asked to choose between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. They resort to diplomacy to not give a hard feeling to either of the soccer royalty. But the West Ham United midfielder Kalvin Phillips doesn’t give two hoots about all those hard feelings. Phillips confidently gave his verdict on soccer’s GOAT debate. Not putting an end to surprises, Phillips also overlooked ex-teammate Erling Haaland‘s striking prowess while choosing his favorite player. A slight dig taken after departing from Manchester City on loan? 

Notably, Kalvin Phillips rates Lionel Messi above Kylian Mbappe. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo is placed on a higher pedestal than Harry Kane in Phillips’ books. With all the bizarre and unusual picks looking at the current soccer scenario, who won in the Messi-Ronaldo debate, as per Phillips? Let’s dive deeper!

Who does Kalvin Phillips rate more- Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

In a recently viral clip on X, Kalvin Phillips was seen playing a game where he would pick his favorite forward from among two players. The game goes in a knockout tournament format where the last players meet in the final. The player who is chosen last will be considered Phillips’ favorite. In each pick, Phillips rated Lionel Messi above his rival. Phillips did the same for Cristiano Ronaldo. Finally, Leo Messi and Ronaldo were pitted against each other in the last pick. Without any reluctance, Kalvin Phillips nodded to Messi’s side and eventually picked him over Ronaldo.

The ex-Manchester City midfielder not-so-subtly said he regards Lionel Messi as the GOAT of the game. Phillips just added fuel to the recent clout Messi has been getting in the GOAT debate. Last week, English TV presenter and soccer analyst, Laura Woods, also chose the Argentine as the GOAT between him and Ronaldo. If Messi and Ronaldo made it to the last round of Phillips’ game, where did Erling Haaland reach? Sadly, the midfielder nipped his ex-teammate’s run in the bud.

Kalvin Phillips’ snub of Erling Haaland

Seconds into the game, Kalvin Phillips had to choose between Erling Haaland and Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. Phillips was puzzled at the face of this task. However, he let out a huge breath and reluctantly chose Henry over Haaland. The Norwegian shattered the Premier League’s top goal-scoring records in his debut season with 36 goals. Besides, Phillips and Haaland shared the same stage and locker room in Etihad. But Henry’s impact on this generation is far more profound than that of Haaland.

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Thierry Henry dominated Arsenal’s attack during their undefeated campaign with Arsene Wenger. The Frenchman redefined the #9 position during those years. Moreover, Henry then took his talents to Barcelona, where he won six major titles, including the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, to complete a sextuple in 2009. The Norwegian has time to reach that level with Philips’ pick justified with the Frenchman. 

What are your thoughts on Kalvin Phillips’ different verdicts? Tell us in the comments.

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