Leeds United appear to have earned some stability in the Championship after a rough start that saw Daniel Farke scramble to figure out his preferred method.
After appearing to have found the spine for a successful season, the Whites have ascended to fifth place, but are still part of the playoff-seeking group that has been left behind by leaders Leicester City and chasing Ipswich Town.
With a long season ahead, there will be plenty of opportunity to shorten that gap, with an instant Premier League return likely high on the former Norwich City boss’ agenda. He would outline his intentions when offering a recent detailed reply, after a reporter questioned his preference to start Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter in opposing roles: “But believe me when it comes down to strikers I know my business. I know my business. I know what I have to do and also when it comes down to win this league. I know my business, so let’s not speak about this topic anymore.”
After years of mismanagement, it appears that the club is finally recovering, with a true leader at the helm once again poised to bring in a period of success. While it is unlikely that his departure was exclusively to blame, it certainly appear that Kalvin Phillips’ departure heralded the beginning of the end for the Whites’ stay in the top flight.
Kalvin Phillips left Leeds for what reason?
After rising through the ranks at Elland Road, the 27-year-old midfielder quickly became a fan favorite as a belligerent yet refined presence in the engine room.
He had excelled in the Championship, receiving an England call-up upon their promotion, before transferring his talents to the Premier League.
Such form was bound to pique interest, but it appeared that his club affiliation, combined with his injury difficulties, would keep him in Yorkshire a little longer.
In the end, the temptation of Manchester City proved too much for him, and he would leave for a mouth-watering £45 million cost; a hefty sum considering the enforcer had only started 18 league games the previous year due to various illnesses.
Opportunities have scarcely been more plentiful since moving to the Etihad.
When he made the ill-advised transfer, Phillips tried to excuse his departure by saying, “It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to City, to improve my game in loads of different ways.” It’s impossible for me to explain how I’ll contribute to the squad right now because it’s quite difficult to join a team with eighteen superstars.”
Jesse Marsch would even say that the Leeds-born player “misses being here” after returning to Elland Road in December 2022 to watch a game.
That should come as no surprise given how terrific he was and how far he has since fallen.
How talented was Kalvin Phillips?
It would be difficult to disagree that the 2020/21 season was Phillips’ best to date, given how great and essential he became not only for club but also for country.
After starring in the Premier League, where his 7.21 average match rating indicated an outstanding performer, he would take his form to the international scene as a staple for Gareth Southgate’s England, reaching the Euro 2020 final before losing to Italy.
His league form was supported by a number of standout statistics, including his 85% pass accuracy and 1.2 critical passes per game, as well as his 1.6 interceptions and 2.6 tackles, according to Sofasore.
Former Three Lions manager Fabio Capello would later rush to compliment the guy called “the Yorkshire Pirlo,” claiming that while the label was inaccurate, he did possess some truly great qualities: “Phillips is not like Pirlo and he will never be.” He is a better player, much faster and more aggressive, but he is hardly Andrea’s heir. He embodies many of Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical abilities.
“At Leeds with Bielsa, Phillips has really grown a lot and today he is the best modern midfielder I have seen on the pitch – but no one should compare him to Pirlo.”
It is a credit to his regularly good performances that talkSPORT expert Perry Groves believes he is worth a fortune: “Kalvin Phillips fits Liverpool perfectly.” The intensity with which they play, the closing down, his athleticism, and his throwing range. How much would he cost? £100million.”
Former Leeds player and current coach Andrew Hughes would strive to explain Phillips’ rise and offer his own valuation: “The only way to get someone who can cover and do the same job perfectly is to spend £50 million, at the very least.” That is the price of a player like him. Rather than discussing how he compares to other players, you simply have to accept that he is incredibly special.”
What is Kalvin Phillips up to these days?
It is fair to say that things have not gone well for the former Leeds United fan since relocating to Manchester.
Opportunities have been few, and it appears that his interest has faded as a result. Guardiola would even criticize the midfielder back in 2022, claiming: “He’s not injured.” He arrived chubby. I’m not sure [why]. He didn’t arrive in good enough shape to participate in training or play.”
As such, the £150k-per-week flop would manage only two league starts last year over his 12 outings, and is likely to experience a similarly quiet year yet again, having yet to start in the league after eight games, only three of which he has spent time on the pitch.
His worth would have dropped regardless of how little he played, but few could have imagined it would be as severe as CIES Football Observatory predicts, with the 28-cap workhorse valued at €10m (£9m).
This has even sparked speculation over his future at the Etihad, with the January transfer window poised to be pivotal in the star’s career.
While Farke will most likely wish to look forward to a brighter future that does not feature the romantic return of old faces, Phillips’ career serves as a warning tale for those expecting greener pastures once they leave Elland Road, as it is often only downhill from there.
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