Speaking recently on a video posted on Facebook by Leeds United Live, Beren Cross discussed whether or not he thinks Leeds will target backup for Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window.
Since Phillips picked up a shoulder injury in United’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers back in October, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have gained just three points from their three Premier League fixtures with the midfielder sidelined, including consecutive 4-1 defeats to Leicester City and Crystal Palace.
However, speaking on a video posted by Leeds United Live, Cross recently stated how difficult he felt it would be for the club if they were to attempt to sign backup for the midfielder, while also stating his belief that he doesn’t think United will make a move for a player who can operate in Phillips’ position in the January transfer window.
He said: “I think if it was a serious problem that could be solved, they probably would have solved it by now. I think the fact that we’re now into two and a half years of Bielsa and two and a half years of Kalvin in this position and with this kind of status and this kind of level of influence, it’s very, very hard to find somebody a) who has got anywhere near the same kind of ability as him and b) is willing to effectively sit on the bench for 85% of the season.
“You’re looking for a versatile player who can maybe start in another position and then move into that role if needed. I mean he’s tried it with [Mateusz] Klich, [who] is a great example; somebody who will play all season in his primary position but, clearly, Bielsa has tried, in the Leicester game, shuffling him back and it didn’t quite work out.
“That’s an example of the type of player you want, but it’s very, very hard to find that player. So I wouldn’t expect this January to suddenly be the window where they go and find a Phillips replacement.”
Do you think Leeds need to sign back up to Phillips in January?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Beren Cross’ comments regarding Kalvin Phillips…
From Cross’ comments, it would appear that the journalist is of the belief that Leeds will not make a move for a player who could operate in Phillips’ position in the January window, and that it is an incredibly difficult task to find a player who would be willing to play second fiddle to the England international while possessing significant quality when required to fill in.
Considering how vital Phillips appears to be to the setup of Bielsa’s side – the midfielder’s seasonal WhoScored match rating of 7.22/10 ranked him as the club’s joint-second-best performer in the Championship last season as well as the fact the side have been on the receiving end of two heavy defeats in the absence of the 24-year-old – in our opinion, Cross is indeed correct in his claim that it would be incredibly difficult to purchase backup of ample quality to Phillips.