Danny Murphy reiterates belief that Kalvin Phillips is being limited in Leeds United position
Danny Murphy has suggested that Leeds United should play Kalvin Phillips further forwards in order to get the best out of his qualities.
Phillips, 25, enjoyed a spectacular Euro 2020 campaign with England this summer as they progressed to the final of the competition before they were trumped by Italy on penalties.
The Whites star was played slightly further forwards for the Three Lions, lining up alongside, and slightly ahead of at times, Declan Rice, in a midfield pairing.
That’s at odds from his position at Leeds, as Marcelo Bielsa has transformed him into a deep-lying player.
Speaking on talkSPORT [11:14, 19/07/21], ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy reiterated his belief that Phillips should play further forwards more regularly.
He said: “My worry for Phillips is, he’s in his infancy of course, that because he’s so good at getting after people and tackling, and I know Bielsa has made him into that holding midfielder, but I think he’s got more to offer.”
Back again
It’s not the first time Murphy has expressed his beliefs over Phillips – he made a similar suggestion on talkSPORT [12/07/21] the day after England lost the Euro 2020 final.
Murphy is probably just trying to be complimentary about the abilities of the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, adamant that he can do even more than he already is for the Whites.
It’s a belief shared by many football-lovers growing up – the better you are, the further forward you play.
That’s true in some senses, but as the game has evolved, managers require specialist players in certain positions.
Look at Liverpool – Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among their most important and influential players, and they’re full-backs.
Phillips can certainly play a more roaming role for Leeds if required, as he is a naturally combative midfielder whose position was reshaped by Bielsa.
But there feels no reason to change the approach that has worked so well under El Loco – besides, playing Phillips as the deepest lying midfielder allows us to play even more attackers, such as Rodrigo who operates as an advanced midfielder.
We’d rather see as many technical talents in the side as possible.
In other Leeds United news, see our view on why the Whites must sign this exit-bound South American from club of ‘Next Bielsa’ after Friday update.