Garth Crooks wowed by Leeds star Kalvin Phillips, compares him to Jordan Henderson

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BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has waxed lyrical about Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips for his performance in Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Burnley at Turf Moor. 

The former top-flight performer named the Whites star in his BBC Sport Team of the Week after he helped Leeds to a comprehensive win over Sean Dyche’s team.

Phillips has enjoyed a decent maiden campaign in the Premier League and has also been able to hold down a place in the England team.

A scintillating cross-field ball caught the eye for Leeds’ fourth goal at the weekend and Crooks thought he was sublime.

He told BBC Sport: “The player at the heart of some glorious football for Leeds was Kalvin Phillips. A beautiful striker of the ball, always looking to play forward and totally unselfish.

“I’ve likened his game to that of Manchester United legend Bryan Robson, which might have been a stretch, but he’s definitely a Jordan Henderson. If Phillips goes on to have the career either of those players have had, he will have done extremely well.”

The 25-year-old is a product of the Leeds academy and he’s quickly established himself as a fine Premier League player. During 2020/21 he has played 29 times and looks a certainty to head to Euro 2020 with England.

TBR View: Phillips has all the attributes to become Leeds icon

The central midfielder has been a standout performer for the Whites during 2020/21, with the homegrown player a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans.

Comparing him to Robson and Henderson is a stretch – as Crooks states, but he’s well on his way towards greatness.

Phillips is worshipped by the club’s supporters, although he does have some critics to appease outside of Elland Road.

The 25-year-old might have critics from supporters of other clubs but there is no doubt that he’s proving people wrong with each passing week he lights up the Premier League.

On current form, Phillips is thoroughly deserving of a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad this summer.