Some Leeds United fans have discussed the club’s decision to sell Ronaldo Vieira, which is claimed to have given Kalvin Phillips a route in to the first team.
Former England U21 international Vieira joined Leeds’ academy setup in 2015 from Portuguese outfit Benfica, and the midfielder would soon be handed a chance in the first team at Elland Road, first appearing in 2016 against Preston North End.
Becoming a regular for The Whites, the youngster became subject to a bid from Italian Serie A side Sampdoria, and Leeds would accept the offer, allowing the youngster to move in the summer transfer window of 2018 for what was reported to be an £8m transfer fee.
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His exit left Leeds with a slight problem in the midfield area, but Phillips, who has been excellent over the last few seasons for the club, has somewhat softened that sale.
The 24-year-old has been one of Leeds’ best players this season, contributing at a consistent level for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, prompting a potential call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side.
Speaking to Forza Football Academy on Instagram, Phillips has now claimed that the sale of his former teammate and close friend, has seen him gain more playing time and develop in the first team.
Reacting to Beren Cross, who tweeted the story, fans gave an opinion on the matter…
When Radrizzani sold Vieira, he removed one of the few obstacles between Phillips and the first team. Phillips doesn’t think he’d be the player he is now if his mate had stuck around. #lufc https://t.co/Se8JuDdCoe
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) May 27, 2020
KP had the skillset that Bielsa wanted to nurture. Vieira had potential too but very different to KP, his passing was shocking but great engine & battling qualities.
KP could play RVs role but not vice versa imo. KPs passing stands out, composure too.— paul warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) May 27, 2020
😭😭😭passing was shocking. That is an awful statement. His long passing might not be kalv level but I remember his short passing being amazing. OOOOHHHH HE NEVER GIVES THE BALL AWAY🎶🎶
— john smith (temporary dortmund fan) (@john118smith) May 27, 2020
Wonder how big man Ronaldo is doing in Italy
— Alexander Bartley (@AlexBartley) May 27, 2020
Interesting point
— nigel sullivan (@SullivanNigel) May 27, 2020
Interesting
— lufc_cob (@lufc_cob) May 27, 2020
I think the sale of Vieira shows how important it is that sheff w and villa etc face proper points deductions for cooking the books. You can just sell your ground to yourself to avoid selling players. Thank goodness the EFL has found some backbone.
— manbag (@Ballboy34) May 28, 2020
Can you imagine what he’d have done with Vieira? He is naturally so gifted
— Richard Hirst (@Richboyleeds85) May 27, 2020
Radz sold Viera for financial stability , it was only the acquisition and vision of Bielsa that developed Kalvin in to what he is today. Do not forget the fans were in uproar at the sale of Viera.
— Steven Wilkinson (@scottie_sw51) May 27, 2020
How well do you think Phillips will do in the Premier League? Let us know in the comments section below…
