Leeds United midfielder stepped up in Kalvin Phillips’ absence.
Leeds United were able to earn a draw away at Preston last night despite the absence of key creator Pablo Hernandez, out with injury.
With better finishing Leeds would have won the game, a familiar story of their season so far.
It was not due to a lack of effort, or quality, from midfield star Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips created five goalscoring opportunities. The most any other Leeds player managed in the same game was two.
For further context, Preston’s entire team created six chances, just one more than Phillips did.
That underlines both Phillip’s quality, and Leeds’ wastefulness.
Patrick Bamford spurned six chances, hitting all six of his shots off target.
Leeds needed young loanee Eddie Nketiah to come off the bench and rescue an equaliser, from Jack Harrison’s pass.
Phillips is Leeds’ most popular player and seen as integral to their performances under Marcelo Bielsa.
Last night was evidence of why. With Hernandez out, Leeds needed somebody to step up.
Unfortunately his passing did not result in a game changing moment for the Whites, but it wasn’t for lack of trying.
He didn’t attempt a single shot at goal himself. Changing that might need to become a priority for him.
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