Former Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips discovered the online in his first look for West Bromwich Albion, however the pleasure of scoring was undoubtedly set towards the heavy backdrop of Diogo Jota’s tragic dying.
The 28-year-old, who left Anfield this summer season in a £3 million everlasting deal, made his mark on West Brom’s 1-1 draw towards Dynamo Kyiv throughout their pre-season tour in Austria, in keeping with wba.co.uk.
Phillips’ objective provided a glimpse of his trademark aerial menace, but it surely’s laborious to separate that second from the emotional submit he shared simply three days earlier in tribute to his former Liverpool teammate.
Nat Phillips is coping with the Jota information away from Liverpool
Image through @WBA on X
“I’ve acquired to be sincere I’ve been scuffling with this, as I’m nervous I don’t have the phrases,” he wrote on Instagram.
“How do I even start to do justice to somebody who was cherished by all of us, somebody who lit up numerous lives and meant a lot to simply as many?”
He continued: “Jots, together with the remainder of the world, I’m actually going to overlook you mate.
“It was a pleasure and an honour to share the dressing room with you and to be a part of so many particular moments and recollections that we shared.”
Calling Jota “a magical footballer however most significantly a particular human being,” Phillips signed off with a message to the household of each Diogo and Andre: “Relaxation in peace… Sending all my love and energy to your loved ones.”
A powerful Liverpool connection stays for Nat Phillips
Although he now plies his commerce within the Championship, there’s no query the Bolton-born defender continues to be a part of our prolonged household.
Phillips made 29 appearances in all competitions for us after breaking by way of beneath Jurgen Klopp, famously stepping up throughout the 2020/21 harm disaster.
His response to Jota’s passing confirmed simply how close-knit that dressing room had grow to be.
And whereas the objective for West Brom will make headlines, the emotional weight behind it’ll resonate simply as a lot with these of us nonetheless mourning.
Regardless of this constructive begin at his new membership, it’s completely truthful to say the defender will likely be struggling and it’s outstanding he’s been in a position to hit the bottom operating in such a fashion.
The person affectionately often called the Bolton Baresi solely left this summer season, though there’s been mortgage spells away there would have been an in depth private reference to our No.20.
Add on that he’s taking part in earlier than any of our crew have but needed to, big credit score ought to be given to our former No.47 for his psychological fortitude presently.
Although he’s now away from Merseyside, his voice stays a part of the Liverpool story—and we’re grateful he’s nonetheless talking so powerfully on behalf of us all.
