Whelan: Leeds finally have Phillips ‘replacement’ after ‘incredible’ development
Noel Whelan has claimed Leeds United finally have a replacement for Kalvin Phillips in the shape of Adam Forshaw.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker admitted the 29-year-old had made an “incredible” comeback from injury.
Forshaw made his first start since September 2019 in Tuesday’s 3-0 League Cup win over Crewe Alexandra.
He missed most of the 2019/20 and the entirety of the 2020/21 campaign with a hip injury.
He suffered setbacks during his recovery which delayed his return to action.
Whelan insisted Forshaw had shown his quality in Tuesday’s win.
He suggested the Liverpool-born midfielder could fill Phillips’ boots if needed.
Asked what he made of Forshaw’s return to the side, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Incredible. Incredible on many fronts because everybody worried for him.
“We wondered whether we’d see him in a Leeds shirt again, let alone play football again with the injury that he’s had.
“He’s shown incredible mental strength and toughness to come through this two-year period. It’s a long, long time to not be playing football and a long time mentally to be watching your teammates play.
“Absolutely fantastic for him. He had a great game as well. It doesn’t look like he’s been out for two years. The quality was there to be seen.
“Controlling the game, getting on the ball, looking confident as we know he is. He’s one there that, now we know, is that ready-made replacement for Kalvin Phillips, if need be.
“Forshaw is the one closest, that I can think of, in that squad that can play that role if Kalvin ever gets injured or suspended.
“He’s pushing Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas in that midfield area.”
In other news, Leeds United tipped to seal last-minute midfielder deal after update.