[ad_pod ]
Kalvin Phillips has established himself as a firm fan-favourite at Leeds United this season due to his exceptional performances in holding midfield.
On the chalkboard
Operating in the quarterback role just in-front of the central defenders, Phillips has consistently delighted supporters with the standard of his performances.
A brief stint in central defence to deputise in the absence of a handful of key players showcased a level of versatility which Marcelo Bielsa will naturally appreciate, but it’s in midfield where his most compelling performances have arrived.
Phillips’ ability to break up play in midfield has been supplemented with his diverse range of passing, but it’s the defensive side of his game which will need to be immaculate this evening to prevent QPR from causing an upset.
Eberechi Eze, 20, has been a key source of attacking dynamism and creativity for Steve McClaren’s side this season, but a downturn in his form has coincided with a run of seven straight defeats.
Eze remains the danger man
Phillips, however, cannot become complacent in light Eze’s struggle of late. The attacking midfielder is a genuine menace on his day, and his return of four goals and three assists this season merely provides a glimpse into what he can do in the final-third.
McClaren typically deploys Eze in the hole between midfield and attack, and a continuation of that trend could lead to an enchanting battle between two exciting young players at Loftus Road.
If anyone is likely to dig the Rs out of their torrid run of form it’s Eze, so Bielsa must task Phillips with silencing the danger man this evening to ensure Leeds use their game in hand to leapfrog Sheffield United and Norwich City into top spot.
The Whites faithful cannot get enough of Phillips when he moves into top gear, and he could cement that reputation by effortlessly completing a huge task in his battle against Eze.