BBC pundit Noel Whelan has picked Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in his Championship team of the season, labelling him as “so important” to the team’s playing style under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Whites are in second place, one point behind Norwich City in first with a game in hand – and Whelan believes that some of this success is down to the 23-year-old, who he says has been “pivotal” in the way he provides cover to the two centre-backs.
With Phillips dropping between the two defenders, Whelan adds that this is the reason why Leeds have not conceded many goals this season.
“With Leeds, the main one for me, without his goals, is Kalvin Phillips. The way Leeds United are playing, he is so important. He’s pivotal in how he drops between the two centre-halves. Allows the wing-backs to get up nice and high and join the attack,” he told the Sporting Life podcast [32:05].
“Without him doing that, that’s probably why we’ve not conceded too many goals because of how he has been playing.”
OPINION
Whelan is right to point out Phillips as one of the players of the season so far – his contribution has helped Leeds to where they are now, especially with his superb defensive play. Like Whelan said, he is the main reason why Leeds have not been conceding many goals this season. He is arguably one of the most underrated players in the team due to the brilliance of stars like Kemar Roofe, but his impact is second to none. Fans no doubt appreciate that and he will certainly have a major influence on what the Whites achieve this term. Without him, more goals may have been let in and they may not be in prime position to get promoted. He will no doubt attract a lot of interest in the upcoming transfer window, but Marcelo Bielsa is wise enough not to offload one of his key players in January. He would be crazy to do such a thing, especially as he is so “important” for Leeds.