‘I didn’t think’… Tommaso Bianchi shocked by how successful old Leeds teammate has been

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Italian midfielder Tommaso Bianchi has told Tutto Juve that he never thought his old Leeds United teammate Kalvin Phillips would have the success he has done, despite failing at Manchester City.

Bianchi’s name will have been forgotten by many Leeds fans. A player of the Massimo Cellino era, one to have fallen down the back of the Leeds sofa. Two years with us, 26 outings between 2014 and 2016.

The second of those two years, Bianchi returned to Italy on loan at Ascoli. His exit allowed Neil Redfearn to bring Phillips into the Leeds side, replacing the Italian. Phillips made his debut for Leeds in April 2015.

Speaking about a young Phillips that joined senior training during Bianchi’s year at Elland Road, the year in which Liam Cooper first joined, Bianchi says he was impressed by the 17-year-old’s physicality.

But, Bianchi – who is still playing in the lower depths of Italian football at the age of 35 – said he never thought Phillips would go on to become an England international. A midfielder for Manchester City.

“I remember Kalvin’s debut in the first team, I was also present in that Leeds team. He was part of those four or five boys from the Academy who, little by little, managed to play on a permanent basis with us.

“His qualities were evident from the start. But I didn’t think he would be able to reach this level. I was struck by his physicality at 17. Very calm, he didn’t feel the pressure. He had a great shot from distance.”

Tommaso Bianchi reflects on ex-Leeds teammate Kalvin Phillips

Phillips is really struggling, under Pep Guardiola. Even with the City boss’ affectionate comments over the last week, the England man continues to struggle for game time. Just 29 games, since joining them.

A shoulder injury hampered his start. Rodri’s form is world class, arguably the best holding midfielder in the world. This season, Phillips has played eight times – all from the bench. He played on Tuesday night.

But only got 30 minutes in a win over Young Boys, in the Champions League. He has enjoyed enormous success but, Phillips needs a move with the likes of Newcastle and Juventus being strongly linked.