Speaking to talkSPORT, Jose Mourinho has given his verdict on the long-running debate about Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips and West Ham’s Declan Rice.
For the longest time, Leeds fans and West Ham supporters have been arguing about which player is better, and perhaps more importantly, which player should start for England.
Recently, Gareth Southgate has found a way to play both men in the same XI, but after a drab showing against Scotland, many believe it’s time for a change.
Jose Mourinho believes that one of Rice and Phillips should be dropped in favour for Jude Bellingham, and he thinks the Leeds man is the one who should drop out.
What’s been said?
Mourinho was giving his view on what England’s starting XI should be and he says that he’d drop Phillips rather than Rice.
“I would play Grealish behind Harry and Bellingham in midfield. It’s a difficult decision because it is not easy for us coaches to leave out players you are happy with but between Rice and Phillips, one that has to stay out is probably Phillips. So Rice, Bellingham and Grealish,” Mourinho said.
Eternal debate
Mourinho may think that Rice should start over Phillips, but there are bound to be many Leeds fans who disagree with that view.
Who is the better player? Well, it’s almost impossible to say.
Phillips is a fantastic passer and incredibly energetic, but Rice is fantastic at reading the game and carrying the ball.
Unfortunately, playing both men in the same side doesn’t seem to work too well, and Gareth Southgate has the unenviable task of making tough decisions within his England squad.
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