Leeds United claimed an important win for their Championship play-off push, with Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips excelling.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Leeds boss Garry Monk has told BBC Radio Leeds that Ronaldo Vieira and Kalvin Phillips showed a great attitude in training in the build-up to the win over Preston, and subsequently vindicated their selections with their performances in the win.
The Whites claimed an important victory to get their play-off push back on track following two defeats, beating the Lilywhites 3-0 in a game where Monk’s men certainly showed a lot more attacking intent than they probably have done in recent games.
One of the reasons they were able to push forward with numbers was the displays of Vieira and Phillips in the holding midfield role. Both men performed well, with the latter also proving a major threat going forward and setting up the third goal for Souleymane Doukara.
And Monk was quick to heap praise on the pair’s contributions on a hugely positive day for Leeds.
“They showed me a good attitude this week, the pair of them in training and I had no problem whatsoever putting them in there,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
Leeds United’s Ronaldo Vieira
“They know exactly what’s expected of them, I know they’re young boys and they’re still learning the game but like I said, I trust all my players and they showed me a really good response after Tuesday in training.
“I thought they went out and typified the performance for the team today, it was good to see all round, they were excellent from start to finish, and those two, two young lads, growing all the time, great experiences for them, but most importantly, good performances.”
Aston Villa’s Mile Jedinak in action with Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips
It is no secret that Leeds are probably as strong, in terms of depth, in holding midfield than they are in any other position across the pitch with Liam Bridcutt and Eunan O’Kane also proving their value throughout the campaign.
And given the attacking depth of the other teams within the top six, having at least two of the quartet of defensive midfielders in the best form possible heading into the play-offs – should Leeds maintain their place – could be crucial to the club’s hopes of securing promotion this term.
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