Leeds employee issues ‘massive’ Kalvin Phillips verdict as Thorp Arch details emerge
Noel Whelan has insisted fit-again Kalvin Phillips will have to “step up and perform” for Leeds United after an “unfortunate” injury to impressive midfield star Adam Forshaw.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 26-year-old England star’s return is a “massive plus” for Jesse Marsch’s side.
Phillips played alongside Mateusz Klich as he managed 90 minutes for the first time since November during Monday’s (25 April) 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
Football Insider broke the news on Friday (22 April) that Forshaw will miss the rest of the season after suffering a dislocated kneecap during training at Thorp Arch.
Speaking after Monday’s game and quoted by Leeds Live, Marsch insisted Phillips is a “big part of our solution” going forward – but “more work” is needed to make the Leeds United system more compact.
Whelan bemoaned Forshaw’s layoff – branding him “one of the best players this season”.
“Adam Forshaw was so unfortunate to get that training injury,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s been one of the best players, for me, this season – and you can see what a difference he’s made since coming back in.
“It’s disappointing because we could have done with both Phillips and Forshaw. But now Kalvin is going to really have to step up and perform for these last games of the season.
“Everyone knows what is required of them, and Kalvin being back is a massive plus no matter how you look at it.”
Leeds United sit 16th in the Premier League – five points clear of the drop zone.
However, the Whites now face consecutive games against Arsenal, Man City, and Chelsea.
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