Luke Ayling proud of Kalvin Phillips ahead of England vs Italy clash
Luke Ayling has raved about his Leeds United teammate Kalvin Phillips ahead of the Euros 2020 final between England and Italy.
The midfielder has played a huge role for the Three Lions at the tournament, missing just 25 minutes of their campaign so far.
Phillips can make history with his country against the Italians tonight as Gareth Southgate’s men look to win England’s first silverware since 1966, and Ayling is proud of his growth over the years.
“When I signed four years ago, he was a No 10 or No 8, then in the last few years, he’s just done so well in the No 4 position,” the right-back told talkSPORT.
“Everybody thinks that he is just that holding midfielder but he’s got so much more to his game.
“The boy can run, can pass the ball, the boy has got everything, you have seen everybody, how happy they are for him.
“He’s the nicest boy ever and we can’t be prouder.”
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Phillips deserves to be on the winning side following a brilliant campaign with both Leeds and England, and we are looking forward to him coming out top in the midfield battle against the Italians.
The 25-year-old has grown in leaps and bounds under head coach Marcelo Bielsa, and we are proud of him.
Not many players can go from the Championship to the verge of winning the Euros within a year, and Phillips deserves all the accolades he has been getting since the tournament kicked off.
The Leeds ace has established himself in Southgate’s starting XI alongside West Ham United’s Declan Rice in the middle of the park, with the duo forming one of the best partnerships at the Euros.
Italy boast of a star-studded midfield, with Marco Verratti and Jorginho one of the best players in the position in Europe.
The battle tonight would likely be won in that area, and Phillips would need to put in his best performance in the Three Lions shirt to boost his side’s chances of victory.
We expect him to do just that and make Leeds and the country proud.
In other Leeds news, Kalvin Phillips has sent four word message after recently-departed Whites ace joins new club.