Danny Higginbotham has raved about Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips in The Sun.
The former Derby County defender, who now works as a pundit for Sky Sports, has been impressed with how Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa has transformed Phillips from an attack-minded midfielder to a defensive midfielder.
Higginbotham has added that the 24-year-old could be part of the England national football team for the European Championship in 2021.
Higginbotham wrote about Phillips in The Sun: “Before Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds, Phillips was a more attack-minded player but he has transformed into a fine defensive midfielder.
“Leeds are a possession-based team and commit a lot of players forward. Phillips is good at sitting back and breaking counters, either in front of the backline or as one of three centre backs, such is his positioning. And when he is on the ball, his short and long passing range is so intelligent.
“Gareth has watched him a few times this season, and he would have perhaps got a call-up during this international break. I would be shocked if he isn’t playing in the Prem, with Leeds or elsewhere next season.”
Stats
According to WhoScored, Phillips has scored one goal and provided two assists in 31 Championship appearances for Leeds so far this season.
During the 2018-19 campaign, the Englishman scored one goal and provided three assists in 44 league games for the Whites, according to WhoScored.
Back in 2017-18, the 24-year-old made 36 starts and five substitute appearances in the Championship for Leeds, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
During the 2016-17 campaign, the midfielder made 23 starts and 10 substitute appearances in the league for the West Yorkshire outfit, scoring one goal and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Leeds are at the top of the Championship table at the moment with 71 points from 37 matches, a point clear of second-placed West Bromwich Albion.
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