There’s no denying the importance of Kalvin Phillips’ 101^st minute equaliser on Saturday, with Leeds United snatching a draw from the jaws of defeat at the Riverside Stadium.  

Leeds entered that clash on the back of a disappointing defeat to Norwich City and needed a reaction.

Whilst the second-half performance was good, it looked like Marcelo Bielsa’s side were heading for defeat in the 11^th minute of stoppage time.

Phillips then popped up with a timely header, although things could’ve been different, with the Yorkshire Evening Post revealing that Adam Forshaw would’ve started over the 23-year-old in a defensive midfield position, had he been fit enough.

That’s shocked a percentage of Leeds’ fanbase, with many believing the side are better with Phillips shielding the back-four.

With that in mind, we take a look at THREE reasons why fans should be concerned by Bielsa’s recent thought process…

Forshaw’s form

There’s no denying that Forshaw has been struggling recently, with his performance in the defeat to Norwich leaving a lot to be desired.

Of course, there was an impressive outing against Derby County not that long ago, but even Forshaw would admit he’d been struggling at times.

Many would argue he simply didn’t deserve his place against Boro.

Phillips’ importance

Moving on from that, Phillips is so important to how this side plays.

His passing has been superb all season, whilst his disciplined performances in midfield mean that Bielsa’s full-backs can bomb forward.

He’s in with a shout of winning Leeds’ Player of the Year and you can’t question his importance.

The size of the Boro clash

The game against Middlesbrough was massive and Bielsa needed his best side on the field from the off.

Phillips is included in that and had Forshaw got the nod, Leeds would’ve looked weaker.

Not losing was vital and Phillips played an important role in helping the Whites avoid another disappointing afternoon, which makes it even more bizarre learning he might not have started.