Ben White comments on Kalvin Phillips’s substitution in Leeds win

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Ben White has admitted to BBC Radio Leeds that it was not nice to see Kalvin Phillips come off during Leeds United’s win over Reading on Saturday, but he insisted that the squad are well-prepared in case they lose the midfielder.

Phillips had to be taken off during the first-half against the Royals. He stayed down after making a robust challenge. And while he initially managed to come back onto the field, his return was brief as he was replaced by Gjanni Alioski.

Despite the setback, Leeds seemed to adapt superbly. Alioski replaced Stuart Dallas at left-back, with the Northern Irishman moving to the opposite flank and Luke Ayling pushing into centre-back, allowing White to step into Phillips’s role.

White produced arguably his best performance in that position to date. And while he conceded that losing Phillips was a big blow, he suggested that team are always ready to adapt.

“Obviously, it’s not nice to see him go off because he’s had such a big part to play in the games,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “But I think we all adapted well and we did good.

“During training, we always have a backup plan with the positions. In training, I do some stuff in midfield. We all rotate until we all know our jobs when it comes.”

TBR View – Leeds adapt seamlessly

It was remarkable how quickly each of the players settled into their roles. Four players assumed new roles – while Liam Cooper also had to adjust to having a different centre-back partner – and yet, Leeds settled without Phillips incredibly quickly.

That ability to adjust almost effortlessly acts as a reminder of how well organised the side have been under Marcelo Bielsa.

But they will be hoping that they do not need to worry about a similar situation during the remaining months of the campaign.