Andrea Pirlo makes claim about Leeds star Kalvin Phillips

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Andrea Pirlo appears to have hinted to The Athletic that Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips is amongst those in England who have come closest to emulating the style of play the Italian is synonymous with.

Pirlo is remembered as one of the finest midfielders of the modern era. In fact, most will argue that the 42-year-old is one of the greatest registas of all-time.

Of course, the Pirlo name is one that crops up regularly around Elland Road these days.

And that is because of Phillips, anointed the Yorkshire Pirlo by the Leeds fans.

The 25-year-old has seen his game transformed by Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentinian converted the attacking-minded academy graduate into the most integral part of his system shortly after his arrival in England.

And Phillips has vindicated that decision. Like many of those around him, he has stepped up year on year.

And he was rewarded for a fine first year in the Premier League with a prominent role in England’s side at Euro 2020.

Obviously, it was Italy who denied the Three Lions the trophy in the final. And while Pirlo went on to insist that Phillips is different to him, he did hint that the Leeds star had come closer than most to replicating his role.

“It’s true. In England, there’s never been this kind of player,” he told The Athletic. “There have been great midfielders over the years with different skills.

“There’s the boy at Leeds, who’s a bit of a regista but,” Pirlo says with a twinkle in his eye, “we’re a bit different. He doesn’t have the same characteristics I had. You’ve always had box-to-box midfielders, like Frank Lampard.”

Leeds handed further reminder of importance of Kalvin Phillips on brutal opening day amid Pirlo comments

Leeds often struggled without Phillips when he was unavailable last season. So fans will have been forgiven for being concerned when he was left on the bench on Saturday.

Admittedly, Robin Koch produced a couple of outstanding displays in his role late last term.

But Leeds were certainly made to miss Phillips. They suffered a brutal defeat in their Premier League opener.

Understandably, some will point out how Phillips started the previous time Leeds were thumped at Old Trafford. But he proved in the rematch just how influential he can be against some of the league’s best.

Fans will likely have Phillips as one of the first names on their team sheet for Saturday’s clash with Everton.

And, after his comments, perhaps Pirlo would do similar if he was putting together a team of English players himself.