Ahead of Leeds United’s upcoming clash against Southampton, Tyler Adams has reiterated the fact that his aim remains to be his own player, considering he is constantly compared to his predecessor in Kalvin Phillips.
The ‘outstanding’ £57,000-a-week man came in to replace the England international, who bid farewell to Elland Road to join Manchester City in the summer. And the USA international has impressed, pulling off the near-impossible job of succeeding the 27-year-old with aplomb.
Now, Tyler Adams has brushed off the constant parallels drawn to Kalvin Phillips, ahead of his side’s contest against Southampton.
Tyler Adams brushes off Kalvin Phillips comparisons ahead of Southampton encounter
The 23-year-old’s all-action displays have led to jaws dropping, both for club and country, with Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy as one of the several pundits singing his praises.
In an interview with YouTuber Kagey, Tyler Adams had his say on the comparisons drawn between him and Kalvin Phillips ahead of Leeds’ showdown against Southampton.
“Kalvin [Phillips] is a special player, obviously Leeds through and through. What he did for the club speaks for itself. He was a pivotal part of their success and obviously the rise to the Premier League, and keeping them there. When I came here, I knew that’s who everyone was going to think I’m replacing.”
“They were probably thinking ‘what kind of player are we getting? What kind of person are we getting? He’s not born and bred in Leeds’.
“I know Kalvin Phillips will always hold a special place in a lot of people’s hearts throughout the club and the city. But, for me, it was a huge opportunity to take the step to the Premier League.”
“Leaving a massive club like RB Leipzig who play in the Champions League is never easy. But I knew this is a step I wanted to take in my own career. So when people were asking me ‘how are you going to fill the shoes of Kalvin Phillips?’ I looked at them like ‘no, that was never the plan”, Tyler Adams said in an interview ahead of Leeds’ battle against Southampton.
He concluded, “I didn’t even think of Kalvin. I knew what he did for the club and how important he was but, for me, I wanted to come, show my qualities and who Tyler Adams is. I don’t want to be like somebody or be like anybody. I just want to be myself. And I know when I do that I can be a top player and a top person.”
Ultimately, the fact that Tyler Adams was never pressured by the prospect of replacing Kalvin Phillips is an insight into his incredible mentality, which will be key if Leeds aim to defeat Southampton in their relegation six-pointer.
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