Leeds played their third competitive fixture of the season last night when they hosted Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup first round. Marcelo Bielsa’s side came out 2-1 winners through goals from Patrick Bamford and Samuel Saiz, however, it was Kalvin Phillips who really shone and fans can read Phil Hay’s player ratings on The Yorkshire Evening Post.
Here are @PhilHayYEP's player ratings from tonight's 2-1 win over Bolton… #lufc https://t.co/aEMZrXAhP8
— Leeds United News (@LeedsUnitedYEP) August 14, 2018
There are plenty of Leeds players who have massively stepped up since Bielsa has got the job at Elland Road. Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips especially, but the fans are in awe of how good Phillips has become since he’s been put into a new role under Bielsa’s system as a fill-in centre-back when the full-backs bomb forward, creating a back three system.
Again, Bielsa’s system and tactics came good last night and even though Bolton managed to pull one back through Erhun Oztumer, they were unable to prevent Leeds from progressing to the next round of the EFL Cup. It’s unlikely that Bielsa will be interested in the cup in the later stages as the Championship starts to get more interesting, but for now, the fans will love the idea of a cup run and if Phillips can keep up his form then there’s no reason why they can’t progress further.
You can read the Whites’ verdict on Phillips here:
Phillips an 8 for me. Broke up play and did the dirty work again. Jansson was laboured in all he did. Ayling by far the better of the 2 tonight.
— Jamie LUFC (@Jam13Simmo) 14 August 2018
Phillips was an 8 or 9 for me taken to this role like a duck to water.
— Big Mal (@malgly) August 14, 2018
KP an 8 for me, he's just always there when needed & passing simple balls. Becoming more composed in this role, not sure who could replace him tbh.
— Paul Warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) August 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/the_flying_pig/status/1029492144061509633
Agreed Phillips was by far the best player on the pitch again, don’t agree with many of the ratings! Pontus was terrible!
— James Slater (@JamesSlater073) August 14, 2018
Only a 7 for KP
— Rainy (@JtotheRain) 15 August 2018
Was worth at least a 9 broke up a hell of a lot and started off most of our good play
— Billy (@chuckielufc) August 15, 2018
The fans are all loving seeing Phillips perform in this new system and will be hoping he can continue to help them thrive in both the Championship and the EFL Cup.
