Alan McInally believes that Kalvin Phillips is among the most important players at Leeds United, and has suggested that an injury for the midfielder would have catastrophic consequences.
Phillips, 23, has played in almost every game for the Whites this season, and when he has not played in the Championship, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have lost two out of the three games.
Sky Sports pundit McInally has warned that losing the central midfielder could be the end of Leeds’ automatic promotion hopes.
“If the boy Kalvin Phillips is injured, they have no chance,” McInally said on Sky Sports News on Friday [02:30pm].
“In fact Kalvin Phillips is one of the most important players in the team, regardless of the two centre-backs.”
OPINION
It is pretty much impossible to single out who Leeds’ most important player is. Pablo Hernandez has been simply fantastic for the Whites and when he has been injured, the club’s form has definitely dropped. Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper have both been rocks at the back and the addition of Kiko Casilla in January has also had a great impact on the defence. Phillips is definitely one of the most influential players in the Leeds side. If he keeps up this form then you can see Gareth Southgate taking a look at him as a potential addition to his England squad in the future. Phillips is bound to attract attention in the summer whether Leeds go up or not. Hopefully Leeds fans won’t have to worry about McInally’s claim about an injury for the 23-year-old and he can see out the season and be a Premier League player come August.