MOT View: Masterclass from Leeds 24y/o kept huge West Brom threat at bay
Matheus Pereira had obviously been identified as one of the big West Brom threats ahead of the game against Leeds United last night.
He’d scored five goals and added 14 assists ahead of the Leeds game but didn’t get much of a sniff thanks to Kalvin Phillips.
Right from the start, it was clear that Phillips was going to stay close to the 23-year-old and the game proved why the Leeds midfielder will have no issues moving up to the Premier League. Both players should be playing there next season.
Pereira only made seven passes in the final third last night and had just 44 touches, a season low.
According to WyScout he didn’t make a single pass into the Leeds box, the first time that’s happened this season. And he didn’t complete a single dribble.
He didn’t have a bad game. With a 7.2 rating on SofaScore, he was the third highest-rated West Brom player, but his threat was largely nullified.
Leeds fans don’t need reminding how good Phillips is. Without the 24-year-old, the Bielsa system at Leeds just doesn’t work.
But it’s a masterclass in a game like last night that highlights his importance in the middle of the field.
The chances are, Phillips will be playing in the Premier League next season whether Leeds get promoted or not. We think he’s the best holding midfielder in the Championship and he’s already been noticed by top-flight teams.
He decided to give Leeds another season rather than taking a big-money move in the summer and for that we’ll be eternally grateful.
We just hope that Leeds can pay him back by offering him Premier League football at Elland Road.
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