Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has told BBC Sport that he was not at his peak physical fitness against Everton.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side played out a 2-2 draw with Everton at Elland Road in the Premier League this past weekend.
Phillips, who played a key role for England in their run to the Euro 2020 final this summer, started the match and played for the entire 90 minutes.
The 25-year-old has said that he still needs to be fitter and stronger.
Phillips told BBC Sport: “It’s early in the season, and I feel like, especially me, could be a lot fitter and a lot stronger.”
How did Kalvin Phillips play against Everton?
Phillips arrived late for pre-season training at Leeds due to his involvement in the Euro 2020 finals this summer.
The 25-year-old did not play against Manchester United, but he returned to the team against Everton.
The Englishman was brilliant in the middle of the park and looked his imposing self.
Phillips defended well, showed his strength both on and off the ball, made some intelligent passes and movement, and drove the team forward.
The midfielder took one shot, played two key passes, had a pass accuracy of 86.4%, took 80 touches, played two key passes, made two tackles and one interception, and put in two crosses.
Praise for Raphinha
Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur central defender Michael Dawson was impressed by the performance of Leeds winger Raphinha, who scored a wonderful goal.
Dawson told Sky Sports about the winger: “Absolute bargain. He was sensational today. He was just a joy to watch.”
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