Sky Sports pundit hails Bielsa’s impact on Leeds star Kalvin Phillips

Jo Harrison

Kalvin Phillips has been backed to receive his maiden England international call-up by Sky pundit Andy Hinchcliffe – with Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa’s influence being a big factor in the midfielder’s emergence as one of the country’s brightest prospects.

Phillips has played an instrumental part in helping the Whites into the top two this season and has become a regular for his hometown club under Bielsa, catching the eye of many suitors – including England manager Gareth Southgate.


The 24-year-old’s performances have not gone unnoticed as the midfielder eyes a a Three Lions call-up as the build-up to Euro 2020 this summer gathers pace with a round of international fixtures scheduled for the end of this month. A product of Leeds’ academy set-up, Phillips has become a firm fan favourite at Elland Road and his impressive performances since Bielsa’s time in charge saw him rewarded with a new five-year-deal back in September.

As such, Leeds and Phillips have become a force to be reckoned with as they eye a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2003/04. And a huge influence in his form is no other than the ‘godfather’ of football, Bielsa.

Phillips has operated a deep-lying defensive midfielder since Bielsa’s arrival – subsequently being selected for the 2018-19 Championship team of the season after 46 appearances and helping the club to the play-offs in his first season at the club.

Speaking on a debate show, Hinchcliffe was full of praise for the midfielder and believes he has been pivotal to the Whites’ style of player under Bielsa over the last two seasons.

“It all comes from Bielsa. He went in and raised the bar tactically and said to Phillips ‘You’re the man who can play in this position, the most important position in my team.

“Clearly Bielsa saw something in him. Phillips has stepped up and can do everything a holding midfielder can do.”

 

 

Hinchcliffe, formerly of Sheffield Wednesday and Manchester City, also believes Southgate is unlikely to be dettered by Phillips playing in the Championship and not the Premier League.

“I don’t think it matters whether he’s in the Championship or not. If you’re good enough, and I think we’ve seen this with Southgate, age is immaterial.

“If you’re good enough, you’re good enough. And I think he (Phillips) deserves a chance.”

Phillips and Bielsa will be hoping to carry their good form into the West Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town at Elland Road on Saturday, following their 4-0 triumph over Hull City last-time out.