Frank Lampard hails Marcelo Bielsa influence on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips
Frank Lampard has paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa for his work in the transformation of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Speaking on BBC One [03/07/21] before England’s 4-0 win over Ukraine in the quarter-final of Euro 2020 on Saturday night Lampard was effusive in his praise for the Leeds pair.
The former Chelsea and England midfielder waxed lyrical about El Loco and the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’.
“There’s a lot of unselfish work and miles being done in there, Kalvin Phillips must be so thankful to [Marcelo] Bielsa for what he’s done with him at Leeds,” Lampard said.
“He’s turned into this machine that can play in the ‘six’ and can play up the pitch and it’s not a problem for him.
“He’s comfortable on the ball.”
Undeniable
Lampard has got a pretty chequered history with Leeds and the supporters, but even he could not turn down the chance to offer some warm words for Phillips and Bielsa.
The infamous ‘Spy-gate’ episode was a source of great controversy during Lampard’s one-season stay at Derby County two years ago, while their play-off triumph over the Whites and his subsequent reaction further fuelled the flames of a modern rivalry.
However, it still has to be recognised that he was one of the best midfielders of modern times, and he knows a good one when he sees one.
As such, it is telling that he had such major words of praise for Phillips amid his international exploits that are making waves in England and further afield.
But Lampard was quick to hail the role played by Bielsa, after transforming him into a deep-lying playmaker that influences games from deep.
We didn’t think we’d head Lampard waxing lyrical about the Whites a few years ago, but it looks like we’re starting to become the nation’s darling club. Well, sort of.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are on the verge of signing this English midfielder after negotiations over a fee.