Leeds United will be looking to secure a place in the Championship’s top two after the international break.
Regardless of what happens at the end of the season for Leeds, one thing the fans should remember is the remarkable job Marcelo Bielsa has done at Elland Road.
From the brand of football he has introduced to the young players he has brought through and the improvements he has made to certain individual players. It has been a job that should be applauded.
In terms of the players he has improved, one shining light that arguably stands above them all is midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Throughout this campaign, the 23-year-old has been deployed in one of the most difficult positions in the game, the number six position and he has hardly looked out of place.
From his ability to sense danger, slow the game down, turn the heat up, build up play and stay calm in difficult situations. Phillips has been a breath of fresh air.
Not forgetting that he also played at centre-back, either for tactical reasons or because of injuries – Leeds won nine out of 12 games with Phillips at the back [transfermarkt]. Further showcasing his maturity.
Defeat against fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United last time out wasn’t helpful to the club’s quest in earning promotion to the Premier League. But, for most parts this season, when Leeds turn it on, they are hard to stop.
After the international break, the supporters will look towards players like Phillips to provide that calming influence they need in these final few months of the campaign.
In recent seasons, Phillips has no doubt shown promise in the middle of the park for his boyhood club, but arguably the quality and maturity he is showcasing now is at levels not many expected to be at during this stage of his career.
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