Danny Higginbotham has commented on Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips and manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Sky Sports pundit Danny Higginbotham believes Kalvin Phillips’ ability on the ball ‘isn’t highlighted’ as he praised the influence of Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa on his performances.
Defensive-minded midfielder Phillips has played every game under Bielsa’s stewardship this season, including playing as a centre-back alongside Pontus Jansson in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old, who has made over 100 appearances for the Yorkshire giants, is a product of the club’s academy and has helped his side to six wins from their last seven matches.
Former Premier League defender Higginbotham praised the performances of Phillips during this campaign as he explained what his best qualities are.
“What isn’t highlighted (about Phillips) is his ability on the ball,” Higginbotham told Sky Sports News on 20/12/2018 at 10:50 am. “The way he is able to switch play to get Leeds on the front foot, the transition which is huge for the way Leeds play.
“He has come on leaps and bounds. And that’s a credit to him for taking on board what Bielsa has to say and also Bielsa for getting it out there with him as well.”
Bielsa’s men, who are currently sitting top of the Championship table, will be preparing for a tough away trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Dean Smith’s side are sitting outside of the play-off places, but they are unbeaten in their last seven games as Phillips and his teammates will be coming up against the second highest goalscorers in the division.
Regardless of the result at the weekend, Leeds will remain in the Championships top two because they hold a six-point lead over third-placed West Brom.
However, they can lose top spot if they drop points at Villa Park because they are only one point ahead of second-placed Norwich, who travel to Blackburn on Saturday.
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