Leeds ace Kalvin Phillips says Manchester City have a ‘strong’ player that is really hard to tackle

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Kalvin Phillips has told GAFFER that Manchester City have a player that is incredibly “strong” that is “very hard to tackle” – in Kevin De Bruyne.

Phillips, 25, has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in the Premier League – only taking on England’s top tier last season following Leeds’ promotion in 19-20.

During that time, he has come up against De Bruyne once – before then facing the Manchester City star with England, in a Nations League clash.

Phillips and Leeds drew 1-1 with Manchester City, Rodrigo cancelling out Raheem Sterling’s opener. England beat Belgium 2-1 in the Nations League.

Despite remaining unbeaten against De Bruyne, Phillips still had praise for him – naming him when asked for the hardest opponent he has faced.

Kevin De Bruyne,” Phillips responded, when asked about the best player he has faced. “He’s strong, fast, can score goals, defend, very hard to tackle.”

Phillips on De Bruyne: Manchester City star far from best this season

The three-time Premier League winner is renowned for his incredible tally of goals and assists. Before this season, it was breathtaking – and consistent.

Clocking up 262 appearances before the start of this term, De Bruyne scored 67 goals and laid on an enormous 108 assists.

A goal every four games, an assist less than every three games. But this season, De Bruyne has only scored three in 14 games – and one assist.

However, the Belgian could easily click into place soon. Leeds will be hoping that does not happen before 14 December, when the two meet.