Phillips' partnership with Nial Quinn in the 1999/2000 season was superb. Played for a very long time to stay in the game as long as he could. Respect!
On a list of the Top 100 Premier League players that is currently 75% Derby County players, Phillips getting in over Defoe or Bent is what you're bemused about? Neither Bent nor Defoe were/are significantly better than Phillips.
I rate Kevin Phillips a lot more that Bent or Defoe. The guy has been a consistent and proven goal scorer his entire career.
Record in English football:
Phillips 580 Games/246 Goals : 1 goal every 2.35 Games
Bent 400 Games/157 Goals : 1 goal every 2.54 Games
Defoe 452 Games/165 Goals : 1 goal every 2.73 Games