Simon Grayson raves about Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips

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Kalvin Phillips has been instrumental for Leeds United this season.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Simon Grayson has named Kalvin Phillips as his standout player for Leeds United this season.

The Whites look like very strong candidates to win promotion back to the Premier League after a 15-year absence.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side sit top of the Championship with a six-point cushion in the automatic promotion spots – and a 1o-point gap between themselves and seventh-placed Nottingham Forest.

There have been plenty of key contributors for Leeds this season, not least top goalscorer Kemar Roofe who has struck 10 times in the Championship, or Spanish maestro Pablo Hernandez who has seven goals and seven assists in 14 appearances.

But former United boss Grayson feels that Phillips has been especially ‘outstanding’ this season.

Bielsa has used the 23-year-old Thorp Arch graduate in a number of different positions, be it central midfield or centre-back.

But Phillips has consistently impressed in whatever the role that Bielsa has deployed him in.

Grayson told BBC Radio Leeds, when asked who his standout player has been: “A lot of people would like me to say the more attacking players, the more skilful player, but for me Kalvin Phillips has been outstanding.

“From playing in midfield, to a holding midfield, to a back three and a back four. Over the past few years I’ve thought he’s been a brilliant player with an outstanding attitude, knows the club, knows the city and is keeping improving.

“He’s responded from last season and showed what he can do. He’s been outstanding for Leeds this season.”

As mentioned, Roofe and Hernandez have been the headline makers for United this season so although Phillips is a surprise selection, it’s a logical one all the same.

Barry Douglas deserves an honourable mention, the left-back who joined Leeds from Wolves for a mere £3 million. The Scot has also been exceptional, one of the few mainstays in an ever-changing back four due to injuries.

Bielsa’s side visit Aston Villa tomorrow.