Kalvin Phillips
Leeds United took one step closer to survival this weekend with a result against Aston Villa. The Whites achieved a rare feat of avoiding defeat at Villa Park, only four other teams have done that this season.
This weekend was another game where Farke’s men showed their fighting spirit. Leeds were solid and shut down all the space in the middle of the park, forcing Villa out wide. The away side took the lead as Anton Stach curled in a beatiful free kick. However, the Whites were denied three points by a late goal. A point is a positive as Daniel Farke’s side continue to move closer to safety
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Kalvin Phillips slammed for red card against Sheffield Wednesday
On the other side in the Championship, the Leeds United interest continues. Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder managed to recruit multiple former Leeds players over the last few months. Patrick Bamford joined a few months into the season after terminating his contract at Elland Road. And in the January transfer market, the Blades managed to sign Kalvin Phillips, Joe Rothwell and Leo Hjelde.
Phillips has been linked with a move back to Leeds since his first season at Manchester City, but nothing concrete has materialized. He has been shipped out on loan multiple times with Bramall Lane his latest stop. Over the weekend, the midfielder was sent off for a brutal tackle in the derby against Sheffield Wednesday. Darrent Bent has slammed the 30-year old, calling it ‘disgusting’ and ‘reckless’:
“When you see the challenge, that challenge, A, was disgusting, but B, it looked like someone who was frustrated. Frustrated because he’s like, ‘How have I found myself in this situation? Five years ago, I’m starting for England at a major tournament and now, no disrespect, I’m playing for Sheffield United in the Championship.'” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“He’s been at Man City, the dream move, Pep’s going to make you better, Pep criticised him in terms of the professionalism, he goes to West Ham, that doesn’t work, goes to Ipswich, that doesn’t work, now he’s at Sheffield United, all in the space of five years, it’s nuts.”
READ MORE: ‘Fighting against the referee…’ – Leeds United legend makes bold claim after draw against Aston Villa – fans will agree
Leeds proved right about bringing back former star
This is the latest incident that justifies why Leeds United never pushed to bring back their former player in recent years. Kalvin Phillips is way past his best, and the club have now outgrown the need for him. He is no longer at the quality he was a few seasons ago, and no one can make the argument that he will be a good addition to the squad. Even on his loan spells, his lack of athleticism and fitness issues have been rampant. The Elland Road crowd will have a soft spot for him, but they will accept that Kalvin Phillips is never coming back.