Jesse Marsch says he wishes he was half as good as Kalvin Phillips

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Jesse Marsch has told BBC Radio Leeds that he wishes that he was half as good as Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips during his own playing career.

Marsch had a decent career, making over well over 300 appearances at club level. He also played twice for his country.

He was someone not particularly well-known amongst Premier League fans before he was heavily linked with Leeds earlier this year. But one moment from his playing career quickly endeared the 48-year-old to the Elland Road faithful.

A clip did the rounds showing Marsch taking out David Beckham in an MLS clash between Chivas and LA Galaxy back in 2007.

Marsch was a holding midfielder. And with that, some Leeds fans may be hoping that he builds a good relationship with Phillips, who was so pivotal to everything the Whites did during Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure.

But it would seem that Marsch would not put himself in anything like the same class as the England international as he reflected on his own abilities as a player.

“I was never the best player on the national team. I was always the defensive midfielder who would work hard and win balls and give it to the players who were better,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.

“I was still an effective player and an intelligent player and I think that is what led to me having interest to be a manager, where those qualities that I had as player [could shine].

“I wish I was half as good as Kalvin Phillips!”

Kalvin Phillips could be about to hand Leeds boss Jesse Marsch a massive boost

Leeds are closer to the periphery of the relegation battle than the heart of it. However, they remain in some trouble. All of the sides below them have games in hand. And they face Watford on Saturday.

Phillips has, so far, missed the large part of Marsch’s tenure due to injury. But he did feature against Southampton on Saturday, coming on during the second-half.

He has had another week of training under his belt. And fans will hope that Phillips can start against Watford.

It is imperative that Leeds take something from Vicarage Road. And Phillips playing will boost their hopes of a positive result significantly.