‘Nervous’: Kalvin Phillips claims £35,000-a-week Leeds man is ‘not the best’ in training

Add as preferred source on Google

Kalvin Phillips has been speaking to the BBC about life after EURO 2020, but also made a claim about Patrick Bamford at Leeds.

What’s the story?

Well, Phillips admitted that he was quite nervous when Gareth Southgate called Bamford into the squad, as he’s not a great trainer at Thorp Arch.

The Yorkshire Pirlo said: “I was kind of nervous (about Bamford at England) because, at Leeds, he’s not the best trainer, so I was thinking I hope he does well.”

Now, that comes as a surprise to us.

Bamford is a tireless forward, who carries Marcelo Bielsa’s game plan out superbly in attack – he presses from the front, setting the tone for Leeds.

The £35,000-a-week striker is also a firm favourite under Bielsa, making 116 appearances for the Argentine and scoring 44 goals.

From a neutral’s point of view, we would’ve imagined Bamford was among the hardest working players in training.

In that respect, it’s a bit of a surprise to hear what Phillips said.

Can Patrick Bamford emulate Kalvin Phillips at Leeds?

Ever since he was named in the England squad, Phillips has grabbed his chance with both hands in admirable fashion.

The 25-year-old has already racked up 17 caps, and started every game at EURO 2020 as the Three Lions nearly went all the way.

Phillips was also named England Player of the Year for his efforts.

So far, Bamford has just one cap to his name, and obviously has more significant competition for a starting role in Harry Kane.

All Bamford can do is keep working hard.

One thing’s for sure – he certainly won’t displace Kane if he continues to be a bad trainer under Southgate’s watchful eye.