The 21-year-old was excellent off the bench against Birmingham City on Friday and could make a major impact for Leeds United at Craven Cottage.
Kalvin Phillips may not quite catch the eye like Lewis Cook or command Premier League interest like Charlie Taylor but the 21-year-old has quietly cemented his place in the Leeds United first-team this season.
After starting just three league games in 2015/16, Monk has deployed the local-born midfielder from the off on 17 occasions this season. However, could it be a half-hour cameo appearance off the bench that earns him an even larger role in the first-team picture?
Arriving on the hour mark with Leeds level in a tight clash with Birmingham City on Friday, Phillips immediately helped swing the game in the visitors’ direction by setting up Chris Wood for his second of the night two minutes after his introduction.
Furthermore, in just half an hour, Phillips completed more tackles (4) than any other Leeds player except Gaetano Berardi and midfield scrapper Liam Bridcutt while helping to disrupt a hitherto impressive Birmingham midfield with a further two interceptions and three fouls.
And while his role often goes under the radar, overshadowed by his more glamorous team-mates, Monk is a big fan of his work ethic and dedication – attributes that could make him an essential component in Tuesday’s crucial fixture with Fulham.
Slavisa Jokanovic’s Cottagers, just five points adrift off the final play-off place, are the third highest goalscorers in the division with the likes of Tom Cairney, Sone Aluko and Stefan Johansen capable of scoring and creating from midfield.
Therefore, the Craven Cottage clash could be made for the combative, hard-working Phillips.
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