Derby County midfielder Bradley Johnson heaped praise on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips and urged the 23-year-old to keep his head up after missing out on promotion.
The 32-year-old Rams player, who previously played for Leeds, heaped praise on Phillips as he claimed the midfielder had personally had an unbelievable season and was destined for the top.
“Keep your head up, you’ve had a unbelievable season personally, something you should be proud off!!!” wrote Johnson via his Instagram account.
“Destined for the top.”
Johnson revealed his high opinion of Phillips after the Whites midfielder had taken to his personal Instagram to share his disappointment over Leeds losing to Derby in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
“Thanks for your amazing support over this season!” wrote Phillips.
“Hard to take but we use this pain as fuel to do one better next season! We do this together and we will never give up!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxlAmjthkSK/
OPINION
It’s unclear what is classier, Johnson taking the time to rave about Phillips or the Leeds midfielder replying to wish the 32-year-old all the best in the play-off final. Phillips looked distraught after Derby beat Leeds 4-2 on Wednesday and you couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. The midfielder was one of the positives during Leeds’ defeat and in some regards didn’t deserve to be on the losing team. Phillips has come on leaps and bounds under Marcelo Bielsa this season and Leeds fans will no doubt hope that a Premier League side don’t try to lure him away from Elland Road in the summer. The 23-year-old, who featured 46 times for the Whites this season, will no doubt have attracted interest from top-flight sides due to his impressive displays; but the Whites must ensure he goes nowhere. Phillips’ current contract doesn’t expire until 2021, so that’s a good sign that Leeds will be able to hold on to him if they stay strong.