Talking Shutt Podcast contributor Paddy Miller has been discussing Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips during a recent edition of the show.
The England international midfielder turned in an impressive performance during the Whites’ victory over Everton in the Premier League last weekend, earning a performance rating of 7.42/10 (as per WhoScored).
His passing on the evening was particularly strong, with an overall success rate of 93%. Marcelo Bielsa’s side returned from Goodison Park with all three points thanks to Raphinha’s goal, earning Leeds’ first win in four (as per BBC Sport).
Following the Yorkshire-based club’s latest success, Miller was full of praise for Phillips, highlighting his importance to the side, here is what he had to say:
“Usually the holding midfielder breaks up play and he’ll pass it five [or] eight yards to somebody else. He doesn’t do that, he’ll clip a 40/50-yard ball and get us on the front foot, and that’s why your wingers like [Jack] Harrison and Raphinha look so dangerous. Because he can play that ball, it gives them 20 yards to be able to get it down and go at someone.
“When you look at the way we play in terms of, everyone locks on to a player and we’re quite attacking. Out of the whole 11 players, Phillips is probably the most disciplined one where he has to keep that shape, because if he doesn’t, the whole system doesn’t work.
“When he gets injured or he’s suspended, he’s so hard to replace, for me. In the games we haven’t had him, we look a completely different team.”
Is Kalvin Phillips currently Leeds United's most important player?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts on Paddy Miller’s comments regarding Kalvin Phillips…
It’s clear from Miller’s comments that he highly values what the 25-year-old brings to the side. Unfortunately for the Whites, earlier in the season, the midfielder missed a number of fixtures due to a shoulder injury (as per Transfermarkt).
Phillips’ value has almost doubled since April from £10.8m to £19.8m (as per Transfermarkt), further proof of how the player’s reputation continues to grow. His average performance rating in the English top-flight this season currently stands at a solid 6.97/10 (via WhoScored) and that has seen him rewarded with three England caps.
In our view, the podcaster’s comments, along with the above suggest the player who came up through the ranks at Elland Road has established himself as a key man and is vital to the way in which the team plays.