Jack Clarke, Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich have been central to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United side, who host West Brom in the Championship tonight.
Former Leeds Unites boss Neil Redfearn has lauded the potential of Jack Clarke while praising the impact of Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips in central midfield, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sport’s Breakfast on talkSPORT (1 March, 8.50am).
The trio have all been in fine form this season for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who are still just two points off the top of the table despite a difficult run of form since the turn of the year.
Klich has been a revelation since he returned from a loan spell at Utrecht while Phillips has become Leeds’ deep-lying playmaker, the lynch pin of their side and the embodiment of Bielsa’s style.
Clarke, meanwhile, has established himself as a key player at the age of just 18, thrilling supporters with his rapid pace and direct style. And Redfearn believes he has ‘real ability’ – while paying tribute to Klich and Phillips.
“He’s a fantastic young talent, I think because he’s so young he plays without the stress of winning football matches. He plays with freedom. He’s got real ability and a turn of pace,” said Redfearn.
“Last season, there wasn’t much substance (in central midfield) when Leeds lost the ball. With Klich going in there, who gives them a little bit more steel and Phillips sitting in front of the back four, they’ve got a little bit more physicality.”
Klich and Phillips are in line to feature when Leeds host promotion rivals West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road on Friday night, a key clash given that The Baggies are just a place and four points behind them in the Championship table.
Clarke, however, is expected to be missing again with illness.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
