‘Nobody better’ than Phillips after ‘massive’ Leeds stats reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed it is “massive” for Leeds United to have Kalvin Phillips back match fit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Leeds ambassador, who was at Elland Road for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Everton, said nobody plays the holding midfield role better than the 25-year-old.
Phillips was only fit enough for a place on the bench against Man United on the opening day of the season and his absence was felt as Bruno Fernandes ran riot at Old Trafford.
Upon his return to the starting XI on Saturday, the England international made more ball recoveries (14) than any other player. (lufcdata)
He also won five fuels and created two chances over the course of the 90 minutes.
When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs for his reaction to Phillips’ stats, Whelan said: “That’s massive.”
“It was great to have him back. He made a massive difference.
“When you are without a player like Kalvin Phillips, an England international who is integral to your style of play, you will miss him. The results have proven that over the past couple of seasons.
“The role he plays is a bit unfashionable because it is more of a defensive position where it is about winning the ball back.
“It is incredibly important for teams that play on the front foot to have that security to allow the wing-backs to get nice and high.
“Nobody plays that role better than Kalvin Phillips. It was proved by Gareth Southgate repeatedly took over Declan Rice instead of Kalvin. That is an indication of just how important he is to the sides he plays in.
“He also gives the players around him confidence because they know how good he is. He can calm a game down and then speed it up with one pass.”
In other news, Kieran Maguire suspects Leeds United chief Andrea Radrizzani will be ‘very unimpressed’ amid a ‘£30m’ Financial Fair Play claim.