Nat Phillips joined Derby County on loan from Liverpool last summer.
However, the defender has yet to establish himself as a fixture in Paul Warne’s squad this season.
The centre-back has 11 league appearances, with only four starts.
Given the 27-year-old’s Premier League and Champions League experience, fans would have expected much more from him at the club.
Nat Phillips Derby verdict
When asked if Phillips has underperformed this season, FLW Derby fan pundit Shaun Woodward concurred.
He says the centre-back does not appear to have competed at the highest level of the game, and that he has performed much below expectations.
“It is fair to say Nat Phillips hasn’t really set the world alight since he’s been at Derby,” Woodward told Football League World.
“His matchplay has been limited due to Cashin and Nelson’s form, and I believe it would have been difficult for any centre-half to break that duo.
“So, his best bet was Paul Warne switching to a back three/back five formation, which he has done occasionally.
“But, in my opinion, Nat Phillips hasn’t capitalized on his opportunities and has been sloppy in and out of possession.
“He does not appear to have played in the Premier League or Champions League.
“I thought he’d come in and find a place in the team, make himself undroppable, but that wasn’t the case, and I don’t personally believe he’s any better than Bradley.”
Derby urged to make January loan decision
Woodward believes Derby should consider returning him to Liverpool in January and prioritising another loan recruit who can play further up the pitch.
“If I was Derby, I would be looking to send him back, and I think we could probably do with a loanee maybe further forward,” said the player.
“If we need a backup, we have Simon Bradley, and Craig Forsyth can also play centre-half.
“I don’t think centre-half is a position we should be concerned about too much, and if it means losing a loanee who has sat on the bench all season, I think we should consider bringing in someone further forward, where we are plainly lacking in goals.
“So potentially get rid of Nat Phillips, and bring in someone further forward.”
Phillips signing was a risk worth taking
Given the degree of expertise Phillips may bring to the club, Derby took a worthwhile risk in loaning him.
But he hasn’t worked out at all, and his lack of playing time shows this.
If the Rams can return him to Anfield in the new year, it is worth considering because he is taking up a loan slot in the team.
Given the depth discussed above, a temporary deal for a forward may be a better use of their resources.
