Leeds United employee can’t believe Kalvin Phillips could be benched v Southampton after confirmed news
Noel Whelan has tipped Kalvin Phillips to return to the Leeds United starting XI against Southampton on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador suggested the 26-year-old is the first name on the teamsheet if fit and ready.
Speaking at his press conference on Thursday (31 March), Jesse Marsch confirmed both Phillips and Cooper are in contention to start Saturday’s game.
However, he suggested only one would get the nod due to their lack of match fitness.
Whelan suggested Cooper would have to settle for a place on the bench, with Phillips “vitally important” to the midfield.
Asked if he thought Phillips would start on Saturday, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think that’s the only way to go. In my opinion, it’s vitally important that we get Kalvin on the field.
“The stats show that when he has been part of the side and starting, we win more games than we lose. The points percentage is better.
“For me, Kalvin is vital. You’ve got a good outfit in Southampton, very organised. Him being out there just gives you that little bit more security. A little bit more competitive nature in that midfield area.
“It allows that front four or five to go and do their business in the final third. For me, absolutely, if Kalvin’s fit and ready to go, 100 per cent he starts.
“Kalvin is one who’s on the team sheet straight away. Whoever comes after that, Jesse Marsch will have figured that out in training. It’s hard to take away the fact you need Kalvin.”
Phillips has not played for Leeds since suffering a hamstring injury in December.
In other news, Jack Grealish cited in £42.4million-plus Leeds United transfer claim.