By Noel Whelan

4th May, 2019 | 9:30am

'He is pivotal' - Whelan: Leeds ace looks undroppable despite recent Bielsa axe

EXCLUSIVE

Noel Whelan has insisted that Kalvin Phillips is looking undroppable at Leeds United after demonstrating his importance to the side against Aston Villa.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former former striker and Elland Road regular heralded the versatile central star for his abilities and talents from the middle of the pitch, stating that his inclusion in the side transforms those around him.

The 23-year-old has been a mainstay for manager Marcelo Bielsa this season, with 43 appearances across all competitions, but was axed from the starting XI in their 2-0 defeat to Brentford.

Returning to the line up against Aston Villa, a game which finished 1-1 between the play-off rivals, Whelan was left raving over Phillips’ impact from the midfield.

“I think Kalvin Phillips being introduced again is a massive plus,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“I think we work better and play better with him in the side, he gives you a little bit more security at the back, his range of passing, picking up pieces when the ball comes into that midfield area, stopping moves.”

“He is pivotal, pivotal to how we play and to allow the flair players to get on the ball and express themselves in the final third.”

Phillips has missed just four of Leeds’ Championship games, two of those due to a ban after his sending off versus Nottingham Forest back on New Year’s Day.

In other Leeds United news, contract talks are set to begin as a Premier League side set their sights on an Elland Road star.