During a recent interview with Forza Football Academy on Instagram, Kalvin Phillips revealed he doesn’t believe he would have played as many games for the club had Ronaldo Vieira not left Leeds United two years ago.
Central midfielder Vieira left Elland Road to sign for Italian outfit Sampdoria in the summer of 2018 in a deal reportedly worth £6.39m (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk), opening the door for Phillips to convince Bielsa of his suitability to the vacant role.
Phillips has made 31 appearances in the Championship for the Whites this season, starting in 84% of their league fixtures since the start of the campaign. His average performance rating stands at 7.2/10 according to WhoScored.com, making him the club’s second-most consistent performer behind Luke Ayling.
Here is how some of the Elland Road faithful have responded on Twitter after Leeds Live’s Beren Cross shared his write-up on the interview.
Interesting point
— nigel sullivan (@SullivanNigel) May 27, 2020
Interesting
— lufc_cob (@lufc_cob) May 27, 2020
Whilst some found Phillips’ comments interesting, others were keen to express how they felt that the club made the correct call given the circumstances at the time.
Very overrated viera nowhere near good enough on the ball, n we got good money for him
— Nick panniers (@NPanniers) May 28, 2020
KP had the skillset that Bielsa wanted to nurture. Vieira had potential too but very different to KP, his passing was shocking but great engine & battling qualities.
KP could play RVs role but not vice versa imo. KPs passing stands out, composure too.— paul warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) May 27, 2020
Radz sold Viera for financial stability , it was only the acquisition and vision of Bielsa that developed Kalvin in to what he is today. Do not forget the fans were in uproar at the sale of Viera.
— Steven Wilkinson (@scottie_sw51) May 27, 2020
Did Leeds United make the right decision in selling Vieira to Sampdoria?
Yes
No
Although, this supporter appears to have a different view, suggesting that Bielsa could have gotten more out of Vieira if given the chance.
Can you imagine what he’d have done with Vieira? He is naturally so gifted
— Richard Hirst (@Richboyleeds85) May 27, 2020
It appears things have worked out brilliantly for the club in the end, with Phillips being just 24 years old and a first-team regular – meaning there is no reason why he can’t go on to marshal the Leeds midfield for many years to come.