Kalvin Phillips was a big miss from the Leeds midfield against Reading

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Leeds United ace Kalvin Phillips showed his versatility in the win over Reading by dropping back into defence, but his absence from the midfield was notable.

The 22-year-old has excelled this season in the defensive midfield role and operates as the deep-lying playmaker for the Whites.

But due to injuries he slotted in at centre-back in the 1-0 victory against Reading and looked at ease in defence, but the Yorkshire giants did miss him in the engine room.

Phillips is an all-action central midfielder that can make tackles and interceptions, while he also builds out from the back.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa deserves all the plaudits for the midfielder’s transformation, as he’s become almost indispensable now at Elland Road based on his form this season.

Phillips was an important first-team member in the last campaign, but had spells in and out of the starting XI due to his consistent form.

But he is now one of the first names on the team sheet and Bielsa has singled him out as one of the key players on the pitch.

He is instrumental to the way they play and he acts as the chief organiser from the centre of the park.

Leeds travel to Sheffield United on Saturday for their next Championship fixture and they will certainly look a more balanced unit if Phillips can be restored to his usual role.