Sam Greenwood has claimed Kalvin Phillips helped him settle in during his time at Leeds United.
Greenwood was speaking in an interview with the Northern Echo after sealing a season-long-loan switch to Middlesbrough on deadline day last week.
The 21-year-old was not seen as part of Daniel Farke’s plans for the upcoming season but will be hoping his time at Middlesbrough can help his long-term future at Elland Road.
Greenwood still has three years left to run on his deal at Leeds after signing a new contract in the summer of 2022 having joined Leeds from Arsenal two years earlier.
After Leeds‘ promotion to the Premier League in 2020, Greenwood was part of a huge influx of signings for the U21s where he shone with a number of goals and assists.
Greenwood shares how Phillips helped him at Leeds
Phillips was seen as a huge influence for youngsters in the U21s at Leeds during that period due to the way he progressed through the ranks of the academy.
Prior to his move to Manchester City, Phillips established himself as a hero in the eyes of supporters and players like Greenwood at Leeds thanks to his achievements at the club.
Reflecting on his time so far at Leeds, Greenwood says Phillips was a huge part of helping new players like him settle in at Elland Road.
He said: “My time at Leeds has been great. I’ve enjoyed it so much, it’s full of great people and the likes of Kalvin Phillips really looked after new lads, especially young lads. We had a lot of ups and downs.
“But now I’m just excited to be playing for Middlesbrough. I know how big this club is and I know they have a massive following. I can’t wait to kick on.”
Phillips will forever be the man academy players at Leeds look up to in their quest to making it in the first team after what he managed to accomplish at the club.
Hopefully Greenwood can really kick on in his loan spell at Boro and in 12 months time, who knows, it could be time for his breakthrough at Leeds.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
