When Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds United in the summer of 2018, the Argentine already knew the side he was going to play – even if it meant changing some players’ positions.
Under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom in the previous season, Phillips had a hand in 10 goals from attacking midfield in 41 Championship appearances. He scored seven goals, creating three.
Leeds fans know the story. Upon his arrival, Bielsa called a team meeting and had a board with numbers on it. Phillips’ number was playing in the holding midfield role in a 4-1-4-1 system, a new role for him.
Marcelo Bielsa is a wanted man…
But it didn’t stop there. Indeed, Bielsa saw a defensive player in Phillips, and back in 2018, before the start of the season, Phillips said that the Argentine even had him in training as a centre-back at Leeds.
“I’ve been playing as the deepest midfielder and I’ve been playing in training as a third centre-half as well so I think he’s just trying to work out where my best position is,” Phillips said, eight years ago in 2018.
Kalvin Phillips wants Leeds United return amid Wolves interest
Fast forward to now, and 30-year-old Phillips has been cast aside by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The midfielder has managed just one seven-minute cameo after returning from a loan at Ipswich Town.
West Ham came the season prior, where he struggled. Phillips’ career is fading and reports claim that rock-bottom Wolves want to take the 31-time England international on loan until the end of the season.
However, Phillips is also said to be keen to return to Leeds at this stage. The belief is that Leeds would not be interested given Ethan Ampadu’s form and the signings of Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev.
Why Marcelo Bielsa move makes Phillips the ideal signing
The move to a 3-5-2 system has opened up the need for depth all over the pitch. Ethan Ampadu’s absence against Man United was clear, with Adam Pope claiming Leeds would have won with Ampadu.
Kalvin Phillips would not only be a good signing, but he’s now needed at Leeds – Agree? 🤔
He could play in a back three as well as midfield….
Leeds need better in holding midfield with Ilia Gruev used as a six on Sunday, rather than a four. But Phillips’ ability to play in a back three, probably on the right side of a three, makes him ideal for Leeds.
With Farke now using a 3-5-2, Leeds lack cover at centre-back and bringing in a player that can provide depth in midfield and in a back three, and knows what it means to play for Leeds, is such a no-brainer.
Phillips’ career has gone from superb to sub par, and perhaps a return to Leeds can help Phillips get back to his best. He might not start, he might just provide cover, but it makes sense given his versatility.
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