OPINION
Marcelo Bielsa has transformed a Leeds team that failed to get anywhere near the play-offs last season into automatic promotion contenders.
Many of the players who flopped under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom have been revitalised under Bielsa, but the standout player this season has been Kalvin Phillips.
The defensive midfielder, who has also been deployed in the centre of defence when needed, has been a rock for Leeds and should win their Player of the Year award.
According to Who Scored, he’s the top-rated player for tackles, and it’s his shield ahead of the defence that’s made Leeds such an effective team this season.
And his performances have put him on the radar of Premier League side Southampton. Alan Nixon reported in the Sun on Sunday (April 14, p61), that the Premier League side were interested in the combative midfielder in the summer.
And, while Leeds would reportedly do everything to hold onto him if they get promoted – selling their best players wouldn’t be the best way to approach life in the top-flight – if they missed out and stayed in the Championship, Nixon has claimed they would hold out for £20million for their star player.
It’s not the first time Phillips has been linked with a move to the Premier League. TeamTALK reported back in September that Arsenal and Everton were among 12 Premier League sides scouting him after his brilliant start to the season.
He also won’t be the last player linked, with Jack Clarke also turning heads earlier in the season.
But it shows how high the stakes are in the Championship. If Leeds don’t get promoted, they could lose their best players – we certainly can’t see Phillips staying if he’s offered a move to the Premier League. And we can’t see Leeds turning down £20million if they’re in the Championship.
The Daily Mail reported that both owner Andrea Radrizzani and Bielsa could also leave if Leeds don’t win promotion this season.
The good news for Leeds fans is that their fate is in their hands. There are four games left and they need 10 points if Sheffield United win their remaining games.
You’ve heard the phrase ‘Every game is a cup final’ but it couldn’t be more true for Leeds at the moment – the stakes are sky high.