Roberto De Zerbi could add one of the Championship's most promising young players to the Tottenham Hotspur squad next season.
Ashley Phillips has been shortlisted for the Championship's young player of the season award. The Tottenham Hotspur defender has made an excellent impression during his second spell on loan at Stoke City, playing more than any other player aged 20 or under in the second tier of English football.
Phillips, who the Lilywhites signed from Blackburn for just £3million in August 2023, has featured 36 times in the Championship this term, helping the Potters keep one of the best defensive records. In fact, only Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough have conceded fewer goals than Stoke, and they sit first, second, and third, respectively.
The England Under-21 International, who's also eligible to play for Wales, has been nominated alongside Jordan James at Leicester City, Sydie Peck at Sheffield United, and Bobby Clark at Derby County for the young player of the season award. The winner will be announced at the EFL Awards on Sunday, April 19, which is set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports Football.
Although he's only recently taken the reins at Hotspur Way, Roberto De Zerbi will be delighted with Phillips' development. When the youngster returns to north London in the summer, he'll hope to force himself into the new manager's plans.
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Last month, Mark Robins handed Phillips the captain's armband for the first time. The Tottenham defender repaid his manager's faith, leading Stoke to a 3-3 draw against the Tractor Boys at the Bet365 Stadium.
During an interview with StokeLive back in February, Phillips admitted that he would be open to extending his stay with the Potters. The centre-back said: "I’d love to.
"It’s a fantastic club, but we’ve got to see how the season finishes and then go from there for next year," continued Phillips. "“I love being here, it’s a fantastic club.
"I’m very thankful for how they’ve developed me as a player. I feel like I owe everything to Stoke and that’s why I’ve been so keen to achieve great things this season, which I’m still positive about.
"I forget sometimes I’m a loan player too. It feels like I’ve been here forever, to be fair. It’s a great club. The fans are great, the staff are great. I’m loving my time here."
Phillips has been working closely with the Spurs loan manager, Andy Scoulding, during his spell at Stoke. The youngster said: "He’s very happy with how things are going. He keeps in contact pretty much every week, asking about the game, how it’s gone.
"They’re making sure I’m on the right path. I’ve improved so much, and I’m thankful to all the staff here and all the players here. I’m very happy with my development, but I know I can push on even more. I have to keep kicking on.
"For a centre-back, it’s all about experience. You learn from each game you play. I’ve made just over 100 appearances now at the age of 20, which is a great start, and it’s one of the goals I’ve set when I was very young. I need to keep playing those games and keep learning."
Phillips hasn't got on the scoresheet this season, but he's looking to follow in the footsteps of a Chelsea legend. The Spurs loanee said: "I’ve been getting on the end of quite a few things to be fair, and it can be frustrating.
"I just have to keep it down a little bit. It’s a positive that I’m getting a lot of first contacts, but I need to hit the back of the net eventually. You look at the best centre-backs like John Terry, and he probably scored 10-plus in a season.
"You’re looking at players like that and it’s definitely one of my goals. Hopefully I can get a couple before the end of the season. It’s one of the things (Stoke coach) Ryan Shawcross boasts about to me.
"I think he scored near 10 in his first season here. I definitely ask him for advice and he gives it to me, it’s just about putting it into play."