Ex-Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has spoken highly of Kalvin Phillips, who he believes is better than fellow Englishman, and wanted man, Declan Rice.

Phillips has been the talk of Elland Road this season. The 24-year-old has had his best season to date under Marcelo Bielsa, and has made himself one of the most wanted midfielders in the country.

He joins Rice on a list of players wanted by the Premier League's elite, and ex-Leeds boss Redfearn, appearing on the Scarborough News Extra-Time Podcast, believes Phillips will go on to achieve big things in the game:

"The world is his oyster. First of all he is a beautiful build for a midfield player. He’s got a physical presence that people overlook sometimes. He can compete, he can break stuff up. In possession, his ability is second to none. His range of passing is fantastic, that’s something he has always had."

Redfearn handed Phillips his first-team debut back in 2015. Since then, he's made 173 appearances for Leeds, becoming the star man under the watchful eye of Bielsa:

Can you get 15 out of 15 on this Leeds United quiz? Have a go now!

“He’s playing for, arguably, one of the best coaches in the world in Marcelo Bielsa," added Redfearn. "So he is learning off the best. Regardless of the level that he’s at, if he is playing at his potential and delivering every week and is consistent then for me, if I were manager of England, you’ve got to be considering him."

There's long been a paranoia from England managers to select a player from anything below or away from the Premier League in their side, but Phillips has really pulled that fear into question this season.

His performances have led to many thinking he's worthy of a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad, and Southgate even attended a Leeds game in January to watch him play.

“If you look at the midfield players he’s up against, someone like Rice. I’m not saying that he’s not a bad young player but to me he’s not in the same ilk as Kalvin. I don’t think there’s any comparison to be honest with you," said Redfearn.

These are two differing players who've experienced differing careers to date. Phillips has arguably had to work his way into the fore the hard way, whilst Rice, as good as he is, was always going to be ahead of someone like Phillips because of his Premier League experience.

Rice has endured a tough season with the Hammers, but remains a target of the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, whilst Phillips has been on the radar of Liverpool.

The verdict

It's only a matter of time before Phillips is in the England side.

He's bound to make it one day, and should Leeds miss out on promotion again this season then it's hard to see him staying.

Liverpool could be a good fit for the 24-year-old, but his next decision has to be the right one if he's to fulfil his potential.