Xavi lauds Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice after Euro 2020

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Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice have received perhaps the ultimate praise with Xavi telling The Times that the Leeds and West Ham stars were superb at Euro 2020.

Of course, Phillips and Rice formed an outstanding partnership for England this summer.

It is easy to forget that many doubted whether they could play together, particularly in games when Gareth Southgate’s men were overwhelming favourites.

But the pair were pivotal as England made it all the way to the final. Sadly, heartbreak awaited at the last hurdle.

Nevertheless, both Phillips and Rice announced themselves to a much wider audience. And one of those to sit up and take notice, it seems, was Xavi.

The Barcelona legend lauded both men as he assessed the Three Lions’ performance this summer.

“I have also been hugely impressed by the two midfielders, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. I did not know them that well, but they were superb,” he told The Times.

Rice and Phillips proved themselves to be world-class talents with frightening partnership

Rice and Phillips played so well together, it is almost frustrating that fans have to wait for international breaks for further glimpses of that partnership.

The Hammers star had already established himself as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League. It is frankly frightening to think that he is still only 22-year-old.

Phillips meanwhile, went into the summer off the back of an amazing first year in the top flight.

Leeds were breathtaking following promotion. And Phillips was the fulcrum of their side.

It is a partnership that Southgate will be able to rely upon for a few years to come certainly.