Roy Keane told ITV (07/07/21 at 11:05) that Leeds and West Ham duo, Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, are ‘not technically that great on the ball’.
England reached the final of Euro 2020 on Wednesday night, with the Leeds and West Ham duo once again partnering one another in midfield.
Both players have shut a lot of critics up during this tournament, with their outstanding performances that have resulted in England only conceding once.
But whilst Keane claimed that the defensive duo provide that ‘energy’ to Gareth Southgate’s side, he also made a claim about their technical ability that fans won’t like.
“I think the two lads in midfield gave them a lot (of energy),” said Keane. “Even when they are not technically that great on the ball.
“They give them great protection to the back four. So, you can look at what you want from your team and England have a bit of everything.
“Defensively, they have been very, very good. They have energy. They have a world-class striker. People like Sterling, who is on fire. They have got strength in depth.
“And when you are playing at home, with the fans behind you, it gives you a great chance.”
Phillips plays a different role for his country than he does in a Leeds shirt, but week in and week out, on the domestic scene, he has proven to showcase his technical talents.
Both he and Rice may not move with the speed of a Raheem Sterling or in a free-flowing manner like Jack Grealish.
But they are very underrated on the ball, and in the biggest games of their careers yesterday, they pulled through and delivered the goods.
Now, it’s a case of playing the biggest game they’ll ever probably play and that’s the final of a European Championship against Italy on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
