Speaking to The Times, Barcelona legend Xavi has been full of praise for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Xavi is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation, and perhaps he’s even one of the greatest midfielders of all time, so praise from the Spaniard carries a lot of weight.
What’s been said?
Xavi was reviewing Euro 2020 and England’s performances at the tournament, and two players he had a lot of praise for were Rice and Phillips.
“I have also been hugely impressed by the two midfielders, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. I did not know them that well, but they were superb,” Xavi said.
Elite
Kalvin Phillips’ transformation over the last few years has been nothing short of remarkable.
He’s gone from being a run of the mill Championship midfielder to a bona fide England international, and now he’s catching the eye of some of the game’s greatest ever players.
Nobody needs reminding of what Xavi achieved during his incredible career. He’s won the Champions League four times, while he’s also a two-time Euros winner and a World Cup winner.
You have to be a special player to be noticed by a legend like Xavi, and Phillips certainly fits into that category.
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