Leeds United fans were left stunned after UEFA decided to hand Raheem Sterling the Man of the Match award during England’s opening group win against Croatia at Euro 2020 on Sunday.
It was Sterling who scored the only goal of the game for his country, but it was the Leeds man who made the run and provided him with the assist for the goal.
And whilst Sterling’s name is up in lights for putting the ball into the back of the net, the Leeds man, no doubt, outperformed him on the day.
Whilst many were left surprised by Phillips selection before the game, he produced an outstanding performance at Wembley, as he rolled back the years and showcased his old attacking days.
The Phillips of old that used to love making attacking runs without the ball turned up for his country yesterday, as did the aggressive natured player that has taken his game to another level under Marcelo Bielsa.
But it wasn’t enough for the Leeds academy product to be awarded the Man of the Match award for those organising the competition.
That decision didn’t please the Leeds supporters who were left baffled by the call.
But that doesn’t hide the fact that Phillips, who was only playing Championship football a couple of seasons ago, was bossing a midfield containing the likes of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovačić at a major tournament.
Here is a selection of Leeds fans reacting to UEFA handing Sterling the Man of the Match award:
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