Leeds United: Some fans aren’t convinced Ben White can replace suspended Phillips

Leeds have a selection issue for the weekend now they know Kalvin Phillips will be suspended for their trip to Huddersfield. The defensive midfielder received his fifth yellow card of the season during their 4-0 victory over Middlesbrough, so he’ll leave a gap to fill. However, Marcelo Bielsa believes he knows just the man for the job.

He has said that Ben White can step out from defence to take up the role, and it doesn’t sound like too much of a bad option, considering he’s got a pass completion rate of 85.5%. Of course, it’s going to be a tough ask to fill the shoes of Phillips, who makes the eighth most passes per 90 minutes in the league and the second highest number of long balls per game in the league too (stats via Leeds Live).

Leeds United’s official Twitter account posted quotes from Bielsa talking about the game, and on Ben White filling in for his first-choice central defensive midfielder, he said: “We are working with [Ben] White on this position, he is going to substitute for Kalvin. It’s a new position for him, but he has the skills to play there.” However, some Leeds fans didn’t seem so confident, and a few replied to the tweet to show just how worried they really are.

💬 Marcelo on covering Kalvin’s suspension this weekend: “We are working with [Ben] White on this position, he is going to substitute for Kalvin. It’s a new position for him, but he has the skills to play there.” pic.twitter.com/vNHWplsDaQ

— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 5, 2019

You can see some of their reactions to the news below:

Shame just think having to move white into the Phillips role damages us more than actually Phillips missing the game well it’s only Huddersfield we should be orite

— Jordan Townend (@GoOnGarySpeed) December 5, 2019

Meaning 2ft 5 berardi is CB

— Paul Milner (@paulmilner365) December 5, 2019

@ScottHCAFC95 it’s like having Robbie Fowler there

— Coxy (@jake_coxx) December 5, 2019

Can’t say I’m feeling good about this, didn’t look comfortable Saturday and I think there’s better players who can play there. Don’t want to lose him at the back.

— Hussey ♠⛳ (@Ryan_Hussey) December 5, 2019