Speaking on the England YouTube channel, Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips has claimed that he bases his game on former Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho.
The Leeds ace may be known to his fans as the Yorkshire Pirlo, but it’s another former AC Milan player that he bases his game on.
What’s been said?
Of course, Phillips doesn’t play like Ronaldinho at all. He’s a defensive-minded number six, while the Brazilian was a tricky attacker who was always looking to score or assist.
However, Phillips says that Ronaldinho’s ability to play with a smile on his face inspired him.
“I think when I was younger there was a lot of players. You know like Zidane, but Ronaldinho is the one who comes to mind. Obviously I don’t play like him, I don’t try to replicate what he did, but I know that he played with a smile on his face and a lot of enjoyment, and I try to do that as much as possible, so I’d probably say Ronaldinho,” Phillips said.
The Yorkshire Ronaldinho
The Yorkshire Ronaldinho doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily as the Yorkshire Pirlo, but perhaps that’s what we should start calling him.
To be fair, in his new position for England where he plays in a more advanced role, Phillips is much more of an attacking threat, and while he isn’t putting up Ronaldinho-esque numbers, his assist for Raheem Sterling on Sunday was something straight out of the Brazilian’s playbook.
Perhaps we’ll see Philips but out a few stepovers and nutmegs in the comings weeks at the Euros.
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