Leeds United: Kalvin Phillips return dismissed as too low standard for West Ham struggler
Kalvin Phillips shouldn’t consider a return to Leeds United because he can “play to a higher standard”, according to Nedum Onuoha.
The pundit told EPSN FC Extra Time (24 March) that the former Elland Road favourite might benefit from a “home bond” back at the club but despite his difficulties at Manchester City and now on loan at West Ham he would be better suited to a “higher standard” of side.
Since leaving the Whites two summers ago for £42million [Sky Sports] the midfielder has struggled for games under Pep Guardiola and after moving on loan to the London Stadium in January his form has dipped significantly, resulting in him losing his place in the England squad.
Onouha said (2m): “I’m going to say no. Overall I’m off the mentality to never really go back. And even though he might have a chance to play more [than] at City perhaps I just don’t think going to Leeds would necessarily be the best thing for him.
“He could maybe have that home bond and home connection but I think he’s a player who could play to a higher standard than a team who could potentially be fighting relegation next season.”
Manchester City man told not to go back to Leeds United
Clearly the Premier League and the Championship are two very different propositions but currently the Whites are in the ascendency and Phillips unfortunately is not.
It is difficult to argue that his big-money move to the Etihad has ultimately worked out, despite the winners medals he has collected in 18 months there.
Assuming Daniel Farke is able to get this season over the line and take Leeds United back to the top flight it is not guaranteed that the side which is increasingly overwhelming all-comers in the second tier will translate into Premier League success.
That said, it is difficult to see where Phillips, 28, would actually fit into this side now that an entire new midfield has been sourced this season.
Ethan Ampadu has top flight experience and Archie Gray is already attracting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham, while Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev have been excellent this season.
None have had as much success in the Premier League as Phillips, but since Marcelo Bielsa left the England international hasn’t looked the same player at club level.
Given his struggles at West Ham it is tempting to suggest that Leeds would be the most likely place for him to return to something of his former self, but whether it would actually work is open to question when so much has changed since he left.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have been tipped to hold a transfer advantage in another race against top flight rivals.
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