“He’s got a bit of that Roy Keane-esque Irish grit in him…the bloke just doesn’t run out of energy”
Killian Phillips is widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in Crystal Palace’s academy. The South London outfit signed the then 19-year-old from League of Ireland Premier Division side Drogheda United in 2021.
The midfielder went straight into Paddy McCarthy’s U23 side, where he impressed instantly. His 6”2 frame and aggressive playing style amongst his elegance on the ball made him stand out, earning himself a loan move to Shrewsbury Town in League 1 at the beginning of this season’s January transfer window.
The Irishman took the number 8 shirt as he linked up with fellow CPFC academy loanee Rob Street. Since, he’s made 19 appearances, starting 18 of those games. In that time he’s amassed 3 goals and 2 assists, impressive numbers in a side who have scored a fairly average 52 goals this season.
I was fortunate enough to be pitchside as Salop visited Lincoln City on the last day of the season. Despite the 1-0 defeat for the Shropshire outfit, I was impressed with Phillips as he showed that he had that nack to just be in the right place at the right time.
His interceptions and overall defensive awareness meant he competed well against a Lincoln midfield which has performed well all season. He doesn’t shy away from tackles and has that classic Palace passion, first on the scene to defend his teammates and back them in any confrontation, both traits which would see him adored by the Selhurst faithful.
His progressive passing and ability to drive forward both with and without the ball make him the perfect option next to a more defensively-minded player. It looked as though he was deployed in the number 10 role, but he just seems to want the ball constantly. He’s as likely to be sticking in a last-ditch block in one penalty box as he is to be tapping in a squared ball from out wide.
He also stopped to have a brief chat with me after the game and is a genuinely lovely guy. He listened as I explained my desire for him to make it at Palace and wished me the best. He also confirmed that he wouldn’t be featuring in the game against Jong PSV in two weeks’ time in the PL International Cup final.
I reached out to Shrewsbury fans in hopes of finding out a bit more about Killian’s season as a whole, and I received some brilliant comments from Salopian Harry Gardner.
“From a technical perspective, there’s still that rawness about his game which is so enjoyable to watch. It needs developing but with game time in a play-off pushing Championship side next season he will become a more than competent Premier League player.”
The praise that Harry had for Killian is something that should whet the appetite of every Palace fan reading, but also any top-end Championship fans too.
“His physical attributes are superb, if he was a car he’d do 150 miles per gallon, the bloke just doesn’t run out of energy. He’s got this slightly nasty streak which, if harnessed correctly will make him a better player.”
“From a fan’s perspective, he shows so much passion and rolled into the club with a determination and hunger to improve. He’s certainly done that.”
Harry spoke so highly of the young midfielder, as he hinted at potential managers to get the best out of him during a potential loan move in the summer.
“(Steve) Cotterill has been the perfect manager for him, he’s mastered the dark arts as a coach but his tactical nous has had a brilliant impact on his ability technically. I can imagine (Chris) Wilder turning him into a sensational footballer. Equally, stick him in a Warnock system and he’ll be a cult hero at the club.”
“His dribbling is incredible, the sort of unpredictability that comes with an unorthodox dribbler. Feels like a gem of a box to box when the role seems to be dying out these days.”
After watching Killian on Sunday at the LNER, I must say I can’t disagree with anything that Harry had to say. A loan move to one of the teams that miss out in the Championship play-offs this season would do incredible things for his development.