Noel Whelan believes that Kalvin Phillips has been Leeds’ player of the season so far after looking transformed under Marcelo Bielsa.
The 23-year-old is the one of only three members of the Whites squad to have started every Championship game this season. And it could be argued that no player has been more important to Bielsa’s plans.
Phillips has predominantly played in a quarterback-type role, but has also filled in at centre-back on a number of occasions. Despite the positions being quite different from where he spent most of last season, he has adapted superbly to the change.
And after helping Leeds claim a 2-1 win against Steve McClaren’s side at Elland Road on Saturday, Whelan lauded the Leeds academy graduate and the transformation he has enjoyed.
“The way he’s playing, and it doesn’t matter if it’s in front of the back four or dropping in between the two centre-halves or centre-half itself, he gives everything for the football club. He’s aggressive, he’s got great distribution. He’s been pivotal to the way we play this season, allowing the wing-backs to get forward.”
Phillips’ performances have been so vital lately with Bielsa having only one natural centre-back available in his senior squad. The goal against QPR could see questions asked of both Phillips and Jansson, but it was the first goal that they have conceded in their last four games.
As Whelan hints, few could have imagined how important Phillips would become to the side before the season began. And given how quickly he has taken to the new roles, it should be seriously exciting for the Elland Road faithful to imagine how good he could become if he continues on his current trajectory.
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