‘Man of steel’ – Henry Winter blown away by Leeds player who made side ‘spikier’ v Bristol City
Times journalist Henry Winter has heaped praise on Kalvin Phillips after the Leeds United midfield maestro inspired his side to victory at Elland Road on Saturday.
Phillips returned to the Leeds side for the 1-1 draw against Brentford last Tuesday and played brilliantly again against Bristol City at the weekend.
Writing in his column in the Times, Winter said, “Kalvin Phillips. The man of steel to turn the tide, the ball-winner with the raking pass who is the heartbeat and engine of Leeds United.
“Leeds always look spikier, livelier, more driven with the homegrown 24-year-old in their midst.
“Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas particularly excelled in the 1-0 win over Bristol City but if Leeds are to hold their nerve and keep their automatic promotion hopes alive, Phillips’s tempo-setting dynamism will be key.”
WhoScored gave Phillips a 7.8 rating for his display in the game on Saturday, and Leeds fans won’t have been surprised to see him run the show again.
He’s absolutely key to the way Leeds play under Marcelo Bielsa and he’s come back into the side after a three-game suspension just at the right time.
His stats from Saturday show just how vital he is with an 86% pass accuracy and 11 ball recoveries. He also created three chances, made three clearances and completed three interceptions.
Leeds can’t afford to lose him again and fans will be desperately hoping he doesn’t get injured or make one of his trademark rash challenges again – like the one that saw him banned for three games in the match against QPR.
With Adam Forshaw out for the rest of the season Leeds just don’t have a player who can come in and replace him.
In other Leeds United news, ‘It is happening’ – Phil Hay claims major Leeds off-the-pitch deal ‘is in the bag’