The Leeds United manager could have replaced one with the other against Ipswich Town but he opted not to.
Given Kalvin Phillips’ dip in form and Mateusz Klich’s outstanding performance against Burnley, it would have been easy for Leeds United boss Thomas Christiansen to drop the former for the latter when the Whites took on Ipswich Town.
Indeed it was a change plenty of Leeds fans were seeking and yet, after their latest win, it may be best to simply sit back and accept that the Whites boss knows exactly what he is doing.
After a fine start to the season, Phillips’ form had tailed off prior to Saturday, while Klich’s patience had paid off as he proved his worth in the dramatic EFL Cup victory against Burnley.
And yet, when the Championship fixtures rolled back around, it was Phillips who started and Klich who took his now customary place on the bench. Not that Leeds fans needed to worry, with Phillips scoring a great goal to help them on their way to a 3-2 victory.
Did Phillips watch Klich and realise he needed to up his game or risk falling down the pecking order? Or was he simply sufficiently rested and ready to go again?
Either way, Christiansen’s refusal to deviate from what he perceives – rightly as it transpires – to be his strongest midfield pairing ensured Leeds won again and maintained their position at the top of the table.
Klich will get more chances between now and May, but Phillips proved his worth yet again, and Christiansen continues to impress with his team selections and subsequent results.
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