Darren Bent told Sky Sports News (29/11/20 at 11:20 am) that the Premier League’s ‘big boys’ have to try and sign Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips because he has been ‘that good’.
The boyhood Leeds fan has been a star performer since his club earned promotion to the Premier League and that was proven over the weekend when his side secured all three points at Goodison Park.
It was a Man of the Match display from the aptly named ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’, who has been running the show against a number of teams this season.
But former striker Bent thinks it may not bode well for the Leeds faithful because those in Europe will come knocking for his services.
“Even last season when he was in the Championship, there was talk of Gareth Southgate putting him in the England squad because his performances were that good,” said Bent.
“What I like about him is that he protects the back four really well. I know that sometimes the challenges that he does toe the line a little bit. But even on the ball, his distribution. His passing. His range of passing is absolutely superb.
“He is one of those midfielders who you call a quarterback because he gets the ball and soon as he gets the ball, even as a deep-lying midfield player, the attacking players can make runs because they know the ball is coming. Not only is it coming, but it’s coming with quality. I am a big fan of his.
“I think he signed a new contract not so long ago. But some of the big boys are going to come calling. They have to because he has been that good.”
Phillips’ rise from the ranks of Leeds United’s academy has been as remarkable as their long-awaited return to the promised land.
During his days in the Championship, many called for the combative midfielder to be picked for his country, but the call never came.
However, when Leeds earned promotion, and before he could take his first steps into Premier League football, Gareth Southgate knocked on his door and he is now an England international.
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