Paul Ince has praised Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips for his display against Manchester United yesterday on Sky Sports.
Leeds’ game against Manchester United was not one which will live long in the memory, with both sides playing out a rather dull 0-0 draw.
However, Phillips once again proved his class on a day where defences came out on top.
The Leeds enforcer shut down the threat of Bruno Fernandes throughout the contest.
And he also showed his ability to start attacks for Leeds, with his fine range of passing.
Indeed, one 50-yard cross field pass to Helder Costa seriously impressed Ince, who claims that Phillips would be receiving a lot more attention if he was in a Manchester United shirt.
“I’ve looked at a lot of English midfield players and none have impressed me more than Kalvin Phillips,” he said.
“Playing in that position myself, he’s got everything. All the attributes you’d want to be a top, top class midfield player.
“He snuffed him out [Fernandes]. He looked disinterested. Only because of Phillips and the presence he put on top of him.
“He had to be disciplined in doing that. Sometimes you have to forsake your own performance to snuff them out. He’s neat on the ball, calm and doesn’t panic.
“I love this, what a ball that is. If that had been someone from Manchester United or City, they’d have been going bananas at that.”
Phillips’ long pass to Costa created arguably Leeds’ best chance of the contest.
Costa was able to smash a half-volley on goal after the diagonal, but his shot was deflected and looped just over Dean Henderson’s crossbar.
Phillips’ display against elite level opponents is only likely to strengthen his position in England’s team, ahead of the European Championships this summer, with Gareth Southgate in attendance at Elland Road yesterday.
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