Leeds United’s chances of keeping midfield lynchpin Kalvin Phillips appear to be getting stronger and stronger by the day, and recent comments from ex-midfielder Michael Brown add weight to that argument.
What’s he said?
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have racked up four straight victories with the latest being a 4-0 thrashing of local rivals Hull City, meaning they have moved to within one point of the Championship lead.
The Whites also hold a five-point cushion to the playoff positions, so they are arguably in a very strong position to gain promotion with just ten games remaining.
There have been many conflicting reports about the 24-year-old over the course of the season but Brown believes his heart is at Elland Road.
He said:
“Kalvin Phillips loves Leeds United. He grew up loving Leeds United. I know his main aim at the moment is to get Leeds United in that Premier League.
“You can just see what it means to the club and the team, and it’s great to have him back in the team.
“He’s a fantastic player to have played so many games He can play in a back three, back four, as a holding midfield player, an advanced midfielder, a 6, an 8, a 4.
“I can’t say enough good things about him. Long passing, he’ll mix it up, he can score a goal.
“He’s got the lot. I think he’s with a really good manager, Marcelo Bielsa, who’s improving him all the time, and that’s the type of thing you need.”
Michael Brown, ex-Leeds midfielder.
Encouraging signs
Phillips has been linked to a range of Premier League clubs this season, including Manchester United, Aston Villa and Wolves but their chances of clinching him will depend on whether or not Leeds go up.
Bielsa has steered his side into a strong position, so they have a very good chance of completing their goal and thus, keeping hold of the key cog to Leeds’ system – their anchorman.
Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Brown claims that Phillips’ only aim is to get them into the top-flight, which is a great sign as it means he hasn’t been thinking about the interest elsewhere and the fact that he also suggests he loves the club could be a small but positive sign on him sticking around regardless of their outcome.
The Englishman is vital to Leeds’ success as he has been averaging 2.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.9 key passes and 5.3 long balls per game in the Championship this season, per WhoScored.
Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…
Leeds fans will certainly be hoping that the 43-year-old former midfielder’s words ring true come May as it would mean Phillips is competing in the Premier League in the white strip of the west Yorkshire outfit.
And in other news, Leeds must avoid this Premier League great to replace key man…