According to Sun reporter Alan Nixon on Twitter (below), West Bromwich Albion are showing interest in Leeds United’s stand-out midfielder-cum-defender Kalvin Phillips.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, Kalvin Phillips is one of a number of United players who are glowing. Indeed, Bielsa’s style of football has not only seen these players improve from mediocrity last season, it has also seen the Whites shoot to the top-two in the Sky Bet Championship.
Now, as below, it seems that this success carries its own price tag in that improving players are being noticed.
Why would West Brom want Kalvin Phillips?
The simple answer in that question is contained in Nixon’s tweet – Kalvin Phillips is “excellent.” That can be seen by how Bielsa has encouraged out of the local youngster that potential that he always had inside of him. On a more pragmatic level, there is also his output to think about over this current campaign.
Playing in a deeper defensive midfield role, Phillips can be classed under that tired old cliché of being ‘resurgent’. However, there’s nothing ‘tired’ about the youngster’s play.
- 2.2 tackles made per 90 minutes
- 1.6 interceptions made per 90 minutes
- 3.1 clearances made per 90 minutes
- 1.2 blocks made per 90 minutes
- 8.1 defensive actions per 90 minutes
- 61.5 pass attempts per 90 minutes
- 50.6 completed passes per 90 minutes (82.3% accuracy)
- two assists
Marcelo Bielsa has begun to turn Kalvin Phillips into the beating heart of Leeds United. His rebirth under the legendary Argentinian coach is nothing short of startling
Will West Brom claim ‘baggies’ on Phillips?
Again, as Nixon has said, “even a huge cheque won’t shift him in Jan;” and he’s right about that. Yes, West Brom have the money – the Premier League parachute payments see to that. Yet, what they don’t have is that position to make an offer that both he and Leeds United can’t refuse.
Leeds are in a healthy 2nd place in the Sky Bet Championship. They trail leaders Norwich City by a single point; they lead 3rd place Derby by five points – nearly two wins. West Brom are a little behind Derby, there’s the nub at the moment.
Yes, should Leeds United fall apart, again, maybe West Brom’s fluttering cheque book would come into play. However, as of now, The Sun’s Nixon is bang on the button. Kalvin Phillips is staying just where he is, the future can sit there and be patient.