7 duels won, 13 ball recoveries: Kalvin Phillips was exceptional for Leeds at Fulham

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Leeds United ran out 2-1 winners last night at Fulham as they ensured Scott Parker’s men remained firmly entrenched in a relegation battle.

Goals from Patrick Bamford and Raphinha were enough for the Whites to finally leave London with three points. Bamford, in particular, had a good night after recovering from a knock to take his place in the first XI.

However, there were a number of other fine performances in the Leeds ranks and none more so than influential midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, who was sublime in the middle of the park.

Phillips put in a performance which showed just he is being selected by Gareth Southgate for England in recent times. Per respected Twitter account LUFC Data, Phillips’ stats were more than impressive.

He completed a game high 13 ball recoveries, while he also won seven of his duels. On the ball, he was also good too. Phillips completed 26 successful passes, with four from six being long balls. It really was an all round brilliant display from the Leeds star.

Getting better and better

Questions were raised about Phillips and England when he was selected late last season. Many believed Gareth Southgate had got it wrong selecting a player from a Championship team.

But Phillips has more than proved people wrong and his glowing display at Fulham last night was a prime example. While Declan Rice is likely to get the nod for the Three Lions, Phillips is well in the mix.

As his stats showed last night, the Leeds star is simply getting better with each passing week and Leeds will do well to keep hold of their man beyond this summer.