A Baller Like Nat Phillips: The Evolution of an Underappreciated Centre-Back

When talking about underappreciated centre-backs in recent English football, Nathaniel Phillips is a name that stands out. Nat Phillips is known for his reliability, rarely making mistakes, and his impressive aerial ability. Despite his impressive attributes, he has faced challenges at his boyhood club, Liverpool, with the club hesitating to pair him with Virgil van Dijk even before the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah. Phillips, a dominant force in the air, deserves recognition as a serious contender for a regular spot in Liverpool’s first-team defence. Let’s dive into the compelling story of this Bolton-born footballer and uncover the journey that has shaped his career.

Growing up, Nat Phillips was a devoted supporter of Bolton Wanderers, the very town his family calls home. He hails from a sporting family with deep football roots—his father, Jimmy Phillips, was a former Bolton defender. As a child, Nat looked up to his dad, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Ronaldinho, who were his footballing idols.

Under his father’s guidance, Nat made swift progress through Bolton’s youth academy, benefiting from Jimmy Phillips’ role as a coach. Nat Phillips is not just a skilled footballer; he is someone who understands the importance of small details and consistently turns his aspirations into reality.

His drive and commitment to going the extra mile are evident in every aspect of his career. This is just a glimpse into the life of Nat Phillips—his story is filled with even more intriguing chapters that you’ll discover as you delve deeper into his biography.

Preamble:

Discover the compelling story of Nat Phillips, whose route to prominence with Liverpool FC is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to succeed. Born to Anna Phillips and James Neil Phillips, Nat’s narrative is one of growth, family support, and a deep-rooted love for football that has propelled him from his early days to the bright lights of Anfield.

This biography explores Phillips’s journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs, the influences of his parents, and the moments that have defined his career and personal life.

As we trace Nat’s path from a hopeful young player to a key figure in Liverpool’s squad, his story emerges as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the power of dedication and the silent strength that defines true sportsmanship.

To whet your autobiography taste on the engaging nature of Nat Phillips Bio, behold his boyhood to adult gallery. Without question, it tells his amazing football story.

We all know he is a good footballer who excels with his Defensive quality – that amazing jump power. However, not many fans have read Nat Phillips’ Bio. We have prepared it, and without further ado, let’s begin.

Nat Phillips Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, his real name is Nathaniel, and Nat is only a nickname. Nathaniel Harry Phillips was born on the 21st day of March 1997 to his mother, Anna Phillips and father, James Neil Phillips in Bolton, England.

The English footballer came to the world as the second son, out of four children (Thea, Billy, Nat and Saskia) born of the union between his parents who are pictured here.

Growing-Up Years:

Nat grew up supporting Bolton Wanderers, and Bolton is the town his family comes from.

He enjoyed playing football with his Dad in his family garden. Nat’s first experience of watching the game was at the Rebook Stadium (age 5).

As a child, Nat idolized three people: his dad, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Ronaldinho.

The England defender spent his early years alongside an elder sister, Thea Phillips, an older brother, Billy Phillips and a younger sister, Saskia Rose.

Nat Phillips enjoyed a great childhood sibling relationship with his immediate kinfolk.

Back then, there was no better companion than having a brother like Billy around. More so, no better friends than having his beautiful sisters – Thea and Saskia Rose, by his side.

Nat Phillips Family Background:

The Centre-back hails from a sporting household that has a rich history with football. Did you know?… Nat is the son of former Bolton footballer and Defender Jimmy Phillips.

The Bolton native comes from a household operated by soccer monies – from a Rich Dad. He also comes from a family that has one of the best homemaking Mums.

Put simply, there is no rag-to-riches story to his name. Hence, the footballer hails from a comfortable middle-class family background.

We have a photo of Nathaniel Phillips’s Dad, James Neil Phillips, in his good old days. Nat is pictured below in the loving hands of his father.

We see his older sister, Thea Phillips, also in front of Daddy, while Billy Phillips is beside them, also as a mascot.

Nat Phillips Family Origin:

The Defender comes from Bolton, a large town in Greater Manchester, North West England.

The town is historically and traditionally a part of Lancashire, and it is just 31 31-minute drive away from the city of Manchester. Bolton is the home of textile manufacturing in England.

Like his fellow Liverpool academy graduate, Conor Bradley, Nathaniel Phillips belongs to the White-British ethnicity. This British ethnic group which makes up 79% of the people of the Demography of Greater Manchester.

Nat Phillips Education:

Precisely on the 6th of July 2013, Nat had this post-secondary school shot with Saskia Rose, his little sister. He told fans it was his pre-prom pics.

By implication, he did go through the primary and secondary educational system – possibly in Bolton.

Nat Phillips Football Story:

He had a mission to follow in his Dad’s footsteps since his childhood days. It was hard for his Dad, Jimmy Phillips, to deal with retirement from football in 2000.

Upon hanging his boots, Nat’s Dad did his best to see one of his children continue living the family dream. That year, 2000, in preparation for Nat’s career, Jimmy Phillips joined the Bolton Wanderers youth coaching staff even while still a player for the team.

Thanks to his guide, Nat fell in love with the game at a tender age. With his Dad as a youth coach, it was easy for him to pass trials with Bolton Wanderers Academy.

Little Nat started out as a box-to-box centre-back and was among the smallest in his team. Due to his small stature, he was allowed to play in different positions.

He only became a centre-back as he grew taller – later in the years. The youngster has been a winner since childhood. Though his first trophy was won by a different team he played for. One that was coached by someone else – not his Dad.

Under his Dad’s tutelage, Nat progressed rapidly through the club’s academy ranks. Jimmy Phillips remained as Bolton academy coach throughout his son’s time with the Bolton youth sector.

Without pampering, he pushed his son hard. This saw him successfully graduating from youth football in the year 2016.

Early Life with Senior Football – The United States Forfeit:

Prior to this youth graduation, Phillips learned the unfortunate news. He said that he, alongside fellow graduates of Bolton’s academy, would not be offered a professional contract. The reason was that the club, at that time, was financially down.

After being under his father’s wing all through his youth life, Nathaniel Phillips’ parents felt the need for their son to go face his destiny far away from home. It’s actually away from England – the United States.

Nat was offered a scholarship to play in the United States, precisely at the University of North Carolina’s Men’s soccer team.

The truth is, he has successfully booked a flight and was due to travel to the USA, not knowing it would not happen.

Following the failure of Bolton Wanderers to give youth footballers a contract, several scouts intervened by stealing most of their players.

During the time Nathaniel was planning to travel to the USA, a certain scout named Andy O’Brien had already taken his name to Liverpool.

The Liverpool North of England scout had a positive review by his club, who quickly wrote a letter to Nathaniel Phillips’s family insisting their son should come for what was termed “a hastily-arranged trial“ and possibly a senior contract.

As luck would have it, Nat passed the trials, BUT his trip to the USA was still active.

The Early Liverpool Years:

Did you know?… The day Nathaniel Phillips put pen to paper his first senior contract with Liverpool, he was actually supposed to travel to Charlotte (USA).

That day, he disappointed the University of North Carolina Soccer body, which waited for him to sign a four-year football scholarship. Speaking with Liverpool ECHO, Nat once said,

“I signed for Liverpool the day I was due to fly out. I was really confused, as both side didn’t want me to disappiont.

It was a crazy day but I couldn’t imagine a better way to experience LIVERPOOL. I CHOOSED THEM AND IGNORED THE OTHER.”

Road to Fame Story:

Coming from Bolton to make his name in one of the most competitive clubs in England wasn’t that easy. Judging from his upbringing, the Bolton native equipped himself – ready to face the battle of establishing himself at Liverpool’s U23 level.

Although it took a while, Phillip found his ground and adjusted to his new surroundings and a higher standard of football.

Three seasons of reserve team games saw Phillips defy all odds stacked in his way. He met the biggest expectation of a modern-day centre-back: physically strong, aggressive, and with good heading abilities.

A determined Nat rose to become his team’s captain and was ready for first-team football.

The Hard First Team and Activating Options:

In the summer of 2018, Phillips was invited by Jurgen Klopp to train with Liverpool’s first-team squad.

Thanks to the bravery he exhibited in training, he became a bonafide member of the club’s reserve team and later got new members like Curtis Jones.

However, due to huge competition, it became difficult for Nat to outclass the likes of big centre-backs – Joel Matip and Croatia’s Dejan Lovren.

Nat Phillips celebrated the victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final BUT wasn’t part of the team that won it.

The VfB Stuttgart Story:

In 2019, Nat – in a bid to get regular football – took a loan move to Germany’s second tier. He had a successful season with VfB Stuttgart – with plenty of exposure to their first-team football.

Nat Phillips’ drive and determination – which helped his team keep so many clean sheets – became his most valuable assets.

The Bolton native learnt a lot from experienced Stuttgart players – the likes of  Holger Badstuber and Mario Gomez.  He almost became patient while waiting for his opportunity for a perfect Liverpool recall. On December 27, 2019, the Reds recalled him on loan, only for the club to send him back 12 days later.

That didn’t deter him as he believed another moment to prove himself would come again.

Nat Phillips Biography – Success Story:

Approaching the middle of the 2020/2021 season, Jurgen Klopp began witnessing what a nightmare of injuries to its players. A defensive injury crisis rocked his Liverpool with first-team names – the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez all OUT.

Jurgen Klopp was in search of anything that could offer a glimmer of hope for his defence. Looking deeper into his resources, the less popular name – Phillips, popped out.

Sharply, he initiated a second VfB Stuttgart loan recall. The German coach placed all hopes on the youngster alongside Neco Williams, Rys Williams, and midfield convert – Fabinho.

On 31 October 2020, Phillips made his Premier League debut, helping his team achieve a 2–1 win over West Ham United.

The 6-foot ft 3 inches, alongside new signing – Ozan Kabak -restored the trademark fluency to the backline, thereby bringing an end to their defensive fallow periods.

Nat showcased to Liverpool fans how monstrous he is in the air. With a series of masterclass tackles and defensive awareness, he proved to everyone that he could never sink into his new role.

Liverpool’s Next Big Thing:

As I write Nathaniel Phillips’ Biography, the world now sees him as a proper challenger for a Liverpool defence first-team selection.

Even Jurgen Klopp is pleased with how his reliable foot soldier was able to swim after being thrown in the Premier League deep.

Big like his master, brilliant, smart, intelligent and everything… Nat represents one of the success stories of the Liverpool post-COVID era. No wonder Klopp called him “A Monster in the Air“.

With willing suitors looking ready to beg and cash in for his signature, it would be a great joy for Nat’s family if he gets an England call-up. The Liverpool man has proven himself time and time again as an above-average Defender through successful loan moves. Well, only time will tell. The rest, as we say in this Bio, is history.

Love Life

Every footballer who has successfully paid his dues at Anfield deserves a glamorous WAG. For Nat, there exists a girlfriend who, from what it appears, has stolen his heart. Her baby-face looks and personality (just perfect for Nat!) must be among the reasons why he believes she deserves to be his wife.

The future England defender enjoys sharing sizzling photos of his love life via Instagram. We have a photo where Nat Phillips appears to be completely at ease, enjoying the holidays with his girlfriend. It appears they both enjoy sightseeing trips to some of the World’s greatest Architectural Landmarks.

Personal Life:

Here, we’ll help you answer the question- Who is Nat Phillips outside of football? Getting to know the personality of the centre-back would help you get a complete picture of him.

First thing first, the English footballer is someone who understands the small things of life. Nat has the power to transform their thoughts into concrete actions, and he always shows the will to go the extra man in order to achieve his goals.

Nat Phillips Lifestyle:

The footballers’ way of life is not defined by showcasing exotic cars, houses (mansions) and Swagger.

He, together with his girlfriend, Nat, uses his football money to be in constant touch with the world, experiencing nature as much as possible. Put simply, we are aware he spends his wages on making holiday trips.

Nat Phillips Family Life:

The 6 foot 3 Defender comes from a household where there are routine interactions among one another.

As observed in the photo below, there is good family life. Each member of his brood enjoys each other’s company and spends a lot of time doing things together.

In this section, we’ll tell you more about Nat Phillips’ parents and the rest of his family members: brother and sisters.

About Nat Phillips’ Dad:

James Neil Phillips was born on the 8th day of February 1966 in his hometown of Bolton. The father of Nat Phillips was a former footballer who played for Bolton, Rangers and Middlesbrough.

In the year 2001, he retired with Bolton after a total of 572 career matches and 19 goals. Below is a gallery of Nat Phillips’ Dad during his playing days.

After retirement, Nathaniel Phillips’s Dad got employed as Bolton Wanderers Reserves manager.

He later rose to the club’s academy Director, where he spent a number of years as a youth team coach. Among his children, he groomed Nat to follow in his footsteps.

About Nat Phillips Mother:

We see Anna Phillips here enjoying some precious time with her footballing son in the prestigious Nikki Beach of Ibiza. She is Nathaniel Phillips’ mum, a woman regarded as one of the best homemakers in Bolton, England.

Nat Phillips Siblings:

The Liverpool footballer has a brother (Billy) and two sisters named Thea and Saskia Rose Phillips. They all grew up in Bolton and have remained close to one another since their childhood years.

About Billy Phillips:

According to his Instagram profile, the elder brother of Nat Phillips works for E.&J. Gallo Winery. This company holds the record as the largest exporter of California wines and the largest family-owned winery in the United States.

Billy, unlike Nat, never followed the path of becoming a footballer. He, together with his Dad (Jimmy), play a role in managing his little brother’s career. Billy is seen here alongside Nat, attending a book launch.

About Nat Phillips Sisters:

You see these two girls,… they’ve all grown up. The one on the left is Saskia Phillips. She is Nathaniel Phillips’ youngest sister and the last born of the family. Thea Phillips is positioned on the right side. She is the elder sister and second child of the family.

The footballer remains very close to his sisters as he often takes them, alongside family members out for holiday treats.

Nat Phillips Facts:

In this final section of our Memoir, We tell you more truths about the centre-back who is a future England star.

He is Liverpool’s Goalkeeper in Disguise:

Football is one of the most unpredictable games, with lots of twists and turns. You’ll never know what is going to happen next.

For this reason, Nat followed in the footsteps of Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Dani Alves, and John Terry in training as a goalkeeper.

Nat learns the skills of goalkeeping so he can protect the goalpost when he gets the clarion call. Though it rarely happens, we’ve seen incidents of having his team’s goalkeeper being sent out, and someone from the field has to do the goalkeeping job. Do you think he would perform as badly as Harry Kane when called upon?

A Dog Lover:

Footballers, including most of us, love their pets, and Nat Phillips isn’t an exception. He has a Dog named Flo Phillips, whom he holds dear to his heart.

Nat Phillips Profile (FIFA):

Without question, he joins the likes of Japhet Tanganga, who deserves an increase in his overall and potential stars. Nat has forged a role for himself at Anfield and is no way near his peak. He is as good as Ben Godfrey and Tyrone Mings and, therefore, deserves a potential of 84 (or above) and an overall rating of 80.

Conclusion:

The Biography of Nat Phillips, the Red’s lesser-known defender, teaches us that Patience is not the ability to wait but how we keep a good attitude while waiting.

While waiting for his Liverpool opportunity, Nat did everything to ensure he was ready when the time came.

Phillips is by no means a youngster at 23 years of age (2021 check). A look into his Life Story shows he deserves a chance at the Reds centre-back position. Remember, he abandoned becoming a US college footballer, all in the name of pursuing a dream at Anfield.

It behoves us to comment on Nat Phillips’s parents, especially his Dad, for giving him a Bolton career foundation on a platter of Gold. The old-fashioned centre-back is now relishing the chance to develop his career at Liverpool.

We sincerely hope for his England call and, most importantly, for him to partner alongside Virgil van Dijk as part of the first-team selection.

We care about the accuracy of our Bio on English Football Players. Kindly reach out to us if you notice something that doesn’t look right on our story of Nat Phillips.