Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WILKO: KALVIN’S OUR NEW BATTY
HOWARD WILKINSON has compared Kalvin Phillips to Leeds legend David Batty and backs the England star to help Marcelo Bielsa’s side challenge for Europe this coming season.
Wilko remains a hero at Elland Road after leading them to promotion as Second Division champions in 1990 and then the First Division title two years later.
He has closely followed Phillips’ rise to prominence and believes the boyhood Leeds fan is ready to scale new heights under Bielsa. He said: “Kalvin’s performances at the Euros were outstanding and it seems that he is that kind of generous player who may not at times demonstrate the silky skills as some of his peers.
“But he’s equally, if not more, important when you look at his contribution during the game. He gets the ball, moves it quickly and has good vision with a great touch.
“When his team loses the ball, he’s the one who recovers it and he reads the game superbly.
“He’s a roll-up-your-sleeves type of player with a silky finish. Leeds fans love a cult hero and the fact Phillips is a local lad – like David Batty (below) was – creates a special bond.” He added: “David would be a good comparison to Phillips because of their ability to come up with a solution when you lose the ball. “Like Batty, Kalvin is economic with the ball and can sense dangerous situations before they happen.
“Bielsa can take huge credit for the player that Phillips has developed into during the past three seasons. He might be known for his expansive style of play and attacking football, but, by making Phillips such a key figure in midfield – sitting just in front of the back four – he has shown the value of being strong defensively.
“Gareth Southgate has recognised that, too, and he has made him an equally pivotal figure for England.
“Without a doubt, Kalvin is central to the future of Leeds.”