Kalvin Phillips has been one of Leeds United’s most important players this season. He returned for the matches against Brentford and Bristol City last week. Since returning, Leeds earned four points from a possible six.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side lost four of their last five fixtures before the 1-1 draw with Brentford. Phillips was sent off in the loss to Queens Park Rangers in January and missed three consecutive matches, coinciding with Leeds’ poor form.
Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old’s absence was felt hard by the Yorkshire club, but with Premier League sides beginning to show an interest in him, Leeds perhaps need to start thinking about coping without him long-term.
Why Kalvin Phillips is Interesting Premier League Sides
Stalwart
Phillips is one of Bielsa’s key players and has only missed four games for the entire season.
So far, he has started 32 matches for Leeds in all competitions and completed 90 minutes on 29 occasions. He was subbed off twice by Bielsa earlier in the season, missing just 19 minutes of football.
His importance for Leeds is clear and Phillips shows his adaptability to play anywhere centrally for the team. He played at centre back in the EFL Cup against Stoke City in August.
He also played as a more advanced midfielder at times, but he is often deployed as a defensive midfielder, receiving the ball from centre backs Liam Cooper or Ben White.
Much of the build-up play goes through Phillips, who looks to build momentum by getting the ball to attacking full-backs Stuart Dallas or Ezgjan Alioski.
Ball-Winner and Creator
Phillips demonstrates his capabilities as an effective defensive midfielder. He reads the game well and breaks up opposition attacks effective, making the most tackles in the Leeds squad this season (129).
His passing is also central to the way Leeds play. Along with Ben White and Liam Cooper, Phillips makes more passes than any of his teammates and makes two key passes per game. This shows that Bielsa relies on the 24-year-old as a key player in winning the ball back and distributing it to start attacks.
Cheaper Option?
Phillips is currently contracted to Leeds until 2024, but his future with the club will depend on whether Bielsa’s team are able to secure promotion to the Premier League this season.
If this doesn’t happen, it’s likely Phillips will leave. There is contention about how much the midfielder’s release clause is, with some reports suggesting £20 million.
Even if the fee is higher, it’s difficult to see Leeds holding out for much more if they remain in the Championship next season.
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