Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips is key to stopping Derby threat Mason Mount

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United are preparing for their two-legged semi-final with Derby County in the play-off semi-finals.

The Whites play the first leg at Pride Park at the weekend, before hosting them at Elland Road next week and the victors go to the final at Wembley.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had to brush themselves down after missing out on automatic promotion and now face a Derby team that snuck into sixth on the final day of the season.

Leeds beat Frank Lampard’s team in both league meetings this campaign, but the stakes are so much higher in the play-offs.

The Rams do have some talented individuals that can cause any team trouble and one of the serious threats is Mason Mount.

Leeds need to keep a special eye on the attacking midfielder and Kalvin Phillips could be the ideal man to nullify his threat.

Mount, 20, has been a key player for Derby this season since joining on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea.

He’s an attacking midfielder with 10 goals and six assists in 41 games across all competitions this season.

A lot of Derby’s attacking play goes through him in the centre of the park and he can dictate matches at Championship level.

Leeds needs to try limit his influence in the play-off semi-finals and defensive midfield enforcer Phillips can do just the job.

Phillips, 23, will work as a defensive screen in front of the back four and have an intriguing battle with Mount.