‘I was blowing’: 26-year-old Leeds player admits he was absolutely shattered during Crystal Palace game last night

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Kalvin Phillips made his first Premier League start of 2022 last night as Leeds earned a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

The 26-year-old’s return is a huge boost for Leeds, as they embark on a tricky run-in, with Premier League safety still not assured.

The England international spoke to Sky Sports after the game and admitted he was feeling the pace in his comeback game, but that will improve with match sharpness.

Phillips admitted he was tired by the end, when asked if there was some match fitness lacking: “You could say so.

“Personally for me I haven’t played since December, so I was blowing!

“The little break probably didn’t help us, we were on a little bit of a run before that, but we haven’t lost for the last five games so hopefully we can keep that going.”

Plenty has been made of Leeds’ fitness methods during Marcelo Bielsa’s reign and the changes Jesse Marsch has made.

The key for Leeds is keeping the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford fit, no matter how they do it.

Last night was a big milestone in his comeback and Phillips will be crucial if Leeds are to get anything from Manchester City this weekend.