Derby County fans are all saying the same thing about Nat Phillips as Liverpool loanee all but secures survival vs Hull

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Derby County moved above the dotted relegation line and above Hull City with a win at the MKM Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The season-defining fixture could be what relegates Hull and takes John Eustace’s side to a second season of Championship football in 2025/26.

Luton Town’s thrilling late win against Coventry City saw the Hatters leapfrog Derby momentarily, but mere hours later the Rams found themselves back in front and with their survival hopes in their own hands.

Despite Ruben Selles’ rallying cry, the victory was delivered by the head of Nat Phillips, and Derby fans had plenty to say about the Liverpool loanee after delivering a huge goal to change the landscape of the relegation battle again.

• READ MORE: Derby County boss John Eustace notes Hull City transfer dealings and the advantage they have ahead of relegation fight

Derby County fans react to Nat Phillips goal against Hull City

The giant central defender scored his first for Derby, which was timely to say the least. Derby are on the cusp of survival due to it, and their fans want more of Phillips in 2025/26. One said: “Stay up and we have to sign Phillips.”

Another added: “That was huge! Man mountain Nat Phillips.”

A further Derby fan shared their excitement: “PHILLIPS!!!! GET THAT MAN BACK NEXT SEASON! SENSATIONAL!! LETS HOPE WE CAN HANG ON.”

One made it fairly simple: “SIGN. HIM. UP.”

Ruben Selles has been full of praise for Eustace, but his side could not secure the draw David Prutton had predicted pre-match.

• READ MORE: Hull City fans may be lost for words at what the EFL have announced for Derby County clash

Nat Phillips’ Derby County stats this season

Phillips had been in and out of the side until Eustace came in but he has played every single minute in each of the last ten games. This capped off a strong run of form from the loanee defender.

He is a mountain of a man and a player very suited to what Eustace wants from a central defender in terms of the defensive fundamentals. His ability to put his body on the line and aggression in both boxes has been vital in their rise; Phillips is a warrior of a centre-back.

Winning six and drawing two of their 13 games under Eustace, Derby and Phillips are operating at more of a mid-table level under his tutelage. A draw or win against Stoke City on the final day of the season should be enough now to ensure their survival.