David Woods

Thu 20 February 2020 17:30, UK

Pablo Hernandez has won the Leeds United Player of the Season award for the past two years, pipping Kalvin Phillips last year.

The creative wizard hasn’t been as influential this year and is currently in the middle of a dip in form, and we don’t think he’ll be a favourite to make it a hat-trick.

The obvious standout name this season is Kalvin Phillips. He’s been an absolute rock in the middle for Leeds and he’s proved how essential he is with two sublime displays after returning from a three-game suspension.

However, Phil Hay thinks a surprise name will be in the running – the ultimate utility man, Stuart Dallas.

Talking on the Phil Hay Show, the Athletic journalist said, “I don’t think Stuart Dallas will be the player of the season, I think he’ll fall a little short of that, but I think he’ll be in the discussion.

“He’s been hugely influential in his own way without having his own position or specific role.

“He’s kind of been essential and while I think the prize will ultimately go to someone else, I think he’ll be in the running.”

It’s hard to overstate how important Dallas has been for Leeds this season.

At his best in either of the full-back positions, Dallas has also been used in the centre of midfield, out on the right and even in a more attacking role.

He does the job he’s asked to do by Bielsa without complaining about not having a set position and he gives Bielsa a huge amount of flexibility when tactics or injury dictates a change.

Dallas has started all 33 league games this season, playing the full 90 minutes in 31 of them.

We think Phillips is a shoo-in for the Player of the Season this year but Dallas should definitely get an honourable mention.

And the fact that Hay thinks he’s in the running for the prestigious title is testament to the job that he’s done but it’s still a surprise for a player without a set position.

In other Leeds United news, Is this acceptable? – Phil Hay saw Lee Johnson wearing one thing v Leeds that was ‘out of order’