Nigel de Jong told the Football Show on Sky Sports (25/08/21 at 10:20 am) that Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips can become ‘one of the best’ in the Premier League.
The former Holland international claimed that Phillips is in the ‘shadow’ of others players from the so-called ‘big four’, but he thinks that the Leeds man proved his worth at Euro 2020.
Alongside Declan Rice in the middle of the park, the duo bossed proceedings and won a lot of plaudits despite playing in their first major competition.
It may have ended in defeat to Italy in the final, but one thing is for sure, Phillips could hold his head high for his performances.
De Jong, who also reached a major final with his country and famously kung-fu kicked Xabi Alonso right in the chest without any punishment, shared what he likes about Phillips as a player and how he is a ‘fantastic talent’.
On whether he sees a bit of himself in Phillips: “Well, for sure,” said de Jong. “I always look at the players in my own position, especially how he was playing during the Euros.
“He’s an aggressive type of player. I have seen him and watched him for Leeds last season. Given the coverage Leeds have and they don’t always get highlighted like the big four, with the likes of Man City and Man United.
“He was a little in the shadow of the other players. But when it comes to the Euros, people really understood what type of qualities he had. What type of player that he is and he’s a fantastic talent.
“Fantastic player on the ball. He is aggressive going forward. He’s not afraid to do the dirty work for others. I like him as a player. He has the potential to be one of the best in the Premier League.”
Phillips won’t be the only Leeds player gracing St George’s Park now because a certain Patrick Bamford has earned his maiden call.
It’s a testament to Leeds’ rise in recent years and the job Marcelo Bielsa has done to get them to this situation.
There are others, like Luke Ayling, who are perhaps unfortunate not to earn that call if it weren’t for the number of right-backs England have stock-piled.
But one area that isn’t jam-packed is the number six position, with Rice and Phillips holding those spots like shining lights.
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