Kalvin Phillips ‘disaster’ detailed after Leeds United exit as ex-Premier League star speaks up
Craig Burley insists what has happened to Kalvin Phillips since departing Leeds United is nothing short of a “disaster”.
Phillips starred in the Premier League for Leeds in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before joining Manchester City in a big-money deal.
The England international struggled for appearances at the Etihad Stadium, though, and was loaned to West Ham last month.
Despite also struggling at London Stadium, former Chelsea midfielder Burley believes Phillips can return to his best form one day.
“It’s clearly been a disaster for him and I think what you’re seeing here is a very frustrated player,” he told ESPN FC [19 February].
“He’s an extremely frustrated player who’s not fit enough, not sharp enough. He’s not had not enough game time and he’s frustrated within his own performances.
“Sometimes, when that happens, it just triggers you. He’s not able to do the things he used to do for Leeds and for England on occasions.
“But he can remedy that. He can remedy that with attitude and getting his head down.”
Kalvin Phillips has struggled since Elland Road exit
Phillips started 46 Premier League games for Leeds across two seasons, but since then he has started just four times in the competition.
That is four league starts across the past 18 months for the midfielder – little wonder he is struggling so badly to find his rhythm.
The 28-year-old has been guilty of making two costly errors and getting sent off in his first four appearances for West Ham.
It is a far cry from his time at Leeds when he was one of the best midfielders in the division and earning caps for England.
Nobody begrudged Phillips his move to Man City a couple of years ago, but the grass clearly was not greener.
Should the Whites go back up this season, a reunion with Phillips cannot be entirely ruled out.
And who knows? Maybe a return to Elland Road could be just what the former fan favourite needs to really get his career back up and running.
In other Leeds United news, Sky Sports reportedly reached out to a member of staff at Elland Road in the hope of holding peace talks.
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