Patrick Bamford shares Kalvin Phillips admission as Leeds United linked with Man City loanee
Patrick Bamford has come to the defence of former Leeds United teammate Kalvin Phillips for criticism he has faced while on loan at West Ham United.
The midfielder joined the Hammers in the January window as he looked for more Premier League minutes away from Manchester City.
In his time at the London Stadium, Phillips has struggled. He has made multiple errors leading to goals and has been sent off.
Speaking on the My Mate’s A Footballer Podcast, Joe Wilkinson asked Bamford: “Kalvin Phillips is clearly world-class. Knowing him, what do you think he needs at the moment?”
Coming out in support of his former teammate, the English striker was quick to defend him.
Bamford replied: “There is a big difference from training every day and playing a minutes here and there. He hasn’t got the match sharpness yet.
“Social media is horrible. He doesn’t go from being England’s Player of the Year to all of a sudden not being good enough to play for any team in the Prem.”
Should Leeds United sign Kalvin Phillips?
There is potential that the Whites get promoted from the Championship this season at the first time of asking.
If this is the case, they will have to prepare for the Premier League throughout the summer transfer window.
Given the struggles that he has had since leaving Elland Road, it could be a perfect reunion for Phillips with Leeds.
Matthew Cooper reported to the Mirror (3 April) that he would take a “major pay cut” in order to return to his boyhood club in the summer.
He has only featured in 396 minutes so far this season which just isn’t enough given the calibre he has shown in the past [FotMob].
Despite his lack of game time, he has still managed to show his class with some impressive stats. According to Fbref, he has registered 1.71 shots and 68.39 passes attempted with an 87.7 per cent success rate which ranks amongst the best in Europe.
Leeds’ midfield has consisted of Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara in recent weeks and would need some added Premier League experience upon promotion.
Maybe a loan move back to Elland Road could suit all parties next season and could be the fairytale return for the Yorkshire Pirlo…
In other Leeds news, one Elland Road star looks certain to leave the club in July now.
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