Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan feels midfielder Kalvin Phillips has not been getting due credit, but is as important as anyone in the defensive midfield role in Garry Monk’s team.
The 20-year-old central midfielder has become a regular in Monk’s first team squad this season, and though he was impressive against Ipswich on Saturday, he is yet to cement a place in the starting eleven.
With club captain Liam Bridcutt struggling with an injury, the Leeds academy product started against Mick McCarthy’s men and played a pivotal role in shielding the defence from the middle of the park.
With Bridcutt expected to return to the team soon, many feel Phillips will again drop down the bench, but Whelan believes the club captain might have to work hard to dislodge the young midfielder.
The former Leeds forward was impressed with the 20-year-old’s performance, and feels unlike the more glamorous players in the squad, Phillips is not getting the plaudits he deserve for his role in the team.
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Whelan wrote in his column for the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Captain Liam Bridcutt again missed out on Saturday through injury and to be honest I think he has got to work for his place right now – after what we have seen from Kalvin Phillips who is getting better and better and stronger.
“Not only is he winning balls and being aggressive but he’s starting attacks off with his range of passing and his vision.
"He brings a lot of quality and sometimes I don’t think he is given the credit that he is due because he’s a defensive midfield player – not a Pablo Hernandez who is the creator in that little no 10 role.
“And I think what Phillips brings to the team is invaluable and he’s going to get better.”
With Leeds still waiting on the final news on Bridcutt’s injury, Phillips could again get an opportunity in the starting eleven when they travel to Bristol City on Tuesday night.
