Leeds United hero and ex-Sheffield United loanee Kalvin Phillips has spoken candidly about his recent career struggles
Former Leeds United and Sheffield United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has spoken candidly about his lack of action and injury woes as he looks to emerge from a tough period of his career.
It is four years since the 30-year-old made a £45m move from his boyhood club Leeds to Manchester City, stepping up to the Premier League elite level after years as a key figure for the Whites.
The move pumped the brakes on his development and he has managed just 32 outings for the Cityzens.
Kalvin Phillips managed just three appearances for Sheffield United last season before succumbing to injury.placeholder image
Kalvin Phillips managed just three appearances for Sheffield United last season before succumbing to injury. | Kate McShane/Getty Images
After loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town, Phillips returned to the Championship with Sheffield United in January. He put pen to paper on a temporary deal but saw his season ended by injury after just three appearances for the Blades.
Despite seeing little action in the colours of the South Yorkshire club, reports have indicated he is nearing a return to Bramall Lane on loan.
Kalvin Phillips lifts lid on recent struggles
Reflecting on his loan stint at Sheffield United, Phillips told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It was alright, all two games of it. I suffered an injury which kept me out for the rest of the season.
“That's been the problem for me, the last three years of not playing regularly, it's made me acquire more injuries and stuff like that, so I'm looking forward to hopefully having a good season, actually."
Kalvin Phillips left Leeds United for Manchester City in the summer of 2022.placeholder image
Kalvin Phillips left Leeds United for Manchester City in the summer of 2022. | Bruce Rollinson
Wishing Leeds United well
Phillips still has love for Leeds having amassed 234 appearances for the club after climbing their academy ranks. He kept close tabs on their battle for Premier League survival last term, a battle they won.
He said: “It was little bit tighter than what I thought it would be, in the last 10 games, the business end of the season but I thought they did really well.
“They were what, seventh in the form table in the second half of the season, which is incredible. They've done really well and I'm happy for the guys, happy for the city, happy for the club and I wish them well for next season."