Phillips went from an attacking midfielder, to marshalling the Leeds back four.
Kalvin Phillips has told Leeds United’s official website that he was shocked when Marcelo Bielsa told him he would be playing at the base of the Whites midfield in the summer.
Phillips, who turned 23 on Sunday, played as Leeds’ number 10 under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom last season, scoring seven goals in 43 outings.
But this time around, he has played just in front of the back four and acting as the man to cover his defenders when one goes forward. With Leeds’ style of play, the Thorp Arch academy product has been key to starting attacks from deep.
Phillips told ex-Leeds player Ben Parker that he was surprised when Bielsa said he would be the Whites’ number four under the Argentine, reacting with “how come”.
“Last season I played in a more attacking role,” Phillips said. “So at the start when the manager came in, and said I want you to play as a number four, I was a bit like, ‘oh, how come?’
“But now, I think I’ve taken to it quite well. I just need to work on my defensive attributes a bit more. Hopefully I’ll keep getting better. I was a bit surprised, and it was a bit difficult to begin with. But I can get on the ball and find passes, which is good.”
Phillips has since been applauded by fans and pundits alike for his performances in the role, which is reflected in the fact that he has started every single one of Leeds’ 22 league and cup outings.
TeamTalk have even claimed that Premier League sides Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have all scouted the powerful midfielder, as he continues to earn rave reviews and anchor the Whites’ promotion push.
He is expected to make his 23rd appearance of the season on Saturday, as Leeds play host to Steve McClaren’s QPR at Elland Road on Saturday. A win could see Leeds go top, if Norwich drop points against Bolton Wanderers.
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