Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is flourishing under Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds United’s fine start under Marcelo Bielsa continued on Tuesday night as they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 at Elland Road in the EFL Cup.
The Whites have been scintillating in the Championship so far, beating Stoke City 3-1 on the opening weekend of the season before thrashing Derby County 4-1 last weekend.
On Tuesday night, Patrick Bamford and Samu Saiz were on target in the first half as Leeds beat Bolton 2-1 in the EFL Cup, with Erhun Oztumer’s goal back only a consolation.
Leeds are thriving under Bielsa so far, and whilst the likes of Saiz and Kemar Roofe have been earning the huge praise, Kalvin Phillips is also flourishing under Bielsa.
The midfielder, 22, has come up through the ranks with his hometown club having joined Leeds at just 15, and made his first-team debut for the club in 2014 having impressed in the Leeds youth setup.
Phillips threatened to become a goalscoring midfielder with seven goals in 43 games last season, but his performances have often flattered to deceive – until now.
Bielsa has turned Phillips into a superb holding midfielder, dictating the play in front of the back four whilst often sitting in between his two centre backs, giving him huge responsibility in Bielsa’s 4-1-4-1 system – and he is thriving with that responsibility.
Fans have been comparing Phillips to N’Golo Kante and Sergio Busquets for his work in holding midfield, highlighting both his defensive work and his ability on the ball – and Bielsa’s magic in improving players has been exemplified by Phillips’ rise to prominence.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
