‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ impressed the man himself
Kalvin Phillips has revealed he received a good-luck message from Andrea Pirlo on the eve of England’s Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.
The Leeds midfielder has been dubbed the “Yorkshire Pirlo” with his playing style compared to the World Cup and Champions League winner.
Speaking in August, Pirlo said: “In England, there’s never been this kind of player. There have been great midfielders over the years with different skills – there’s the boy at Leeds (Phillips), who’s a bit of a regista (playmaker).”
Phillips returned to the England side for Friday’s 5-0 win over Albania, which all but assured the Three Lions of World Cup qualification.
The 25-year-old had missed the October internationals through injury, having started all of England’s games on their run to penalty shoot-out heartbreak against Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
Now, ahead of tomorrow’s final Group I qualifier in San Marino, Phillips has told of how he heard from Pirlo, who lifted the 2006 World Cup with Italy, ahead of the loss.
“It’s always nice to get the recognition of some unbelievable players,” he said.
“The night before the final Jack Harrison, who used to play at New York City with him, sent me a video of Pirlo. It was a video to me saying ‘good luck in the final and he wishes me all the best’ so that was very nice.
“It was a very nice feeling and obviously I thought it was going to say something about Italy but, no, he wished me well – full respect for that.
“I just got the video and I was like ‘oh my God’. I’ve never met him, I’d like to meet him to be honest. I’ve seen that is a very cool guy, but I’ve heard he’s a nice guy as well.
“To have someone on the other side, on the other team, wish you well and especially a player like that, it is always a great feeling.”
While he was missing through illness for the Albania win, Declan Rice has formed a fine midfield partnership with Phillips.
Phillips enjoys playing alongside the West Ham man. “I love playing with Declan,” he said.
“We’re two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together. Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I’m almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.
“Declan is a very good player and you can see what he’s done this season with West Ham, the way he’s playing. He’s only going to get better and I’m very happy for him.”