Kalvin Phillips proved again on Saturday just why he is such a valuable player for Marcelo Bielsa and why he’s been integral to Leeds United’s impressive season. Another Thorp Arch graduate of course, you Whites reading this must love him no end.
Indeed, the Whites improved their position to earn automatic promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on Saturday with Phillips walking away with the Man of the Match award.
The 23-year-old, who is actually a defensive midfielder played as a centre-back in a back-three formation for Bielsa on Saturday and was very solid at the back with Wednesday struggling to create any sort of worthy goal scoring opportunities.
Phillips has operated at centre-back before this season but given the importance of not dropping points at this stage of the campaign, many might have thought it was a bit risky by the manager to make such a bold selection move.
Phillips, who is valued at £6.3 million (by Transfermarkt), has also been a regular starter in Bielsa’s team this season and has been very quick to adapt to the position the manager wants him to play in. The determination he has shown throughout all of this to still deliver stellar performances on the pitch, despite being played out of position shows just what a talented player he is.
If Leeds were to play in the Premier League again next season then having someone as versatile as Phillips in the team will be a massive boost if they were to make a proper impact on the league.
The consistency he has shown throughout this campaign has been nothing short of spectacular and he has acted as an inspiration for all of his teammates at Leeds.
Bielsa will be hoping to develop his game even further in the coming months and make a recognised player in English football, who could be destined for big things.
Leeds fans, how far do you think Phillips will go in the game? Join the discussion by commenting below…
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