Kalvin Phillips is once again one of Leeds United's key players this season, having started every one of United's 15 league games and only being substituted once in that time. 

Phillips, 23, has been a revelation in the defensive midfield role since Marcelo Bielsa's arrival at Elland Road last summer, and his standout performances led to speculation about his future.

The midfielder was subject to a bid from Premier League Aston Villa over the summer transfer window but opted to stay at his boyhood United, signing a new five-year deal with the club in September.

Phillips has won many plaudits during the last year and that continued on talkSPORT's Drive show on Tuesday evening.

Former Sunderland and England striker Darren Bent, who made 93 Championship appearances in the latter stages of his career, was a guest on the show on Tuesday and was asked his opinion on who the best player in the Championship was.

On Tuesday night host Adrian Durham and Darren Bent were discussing who the best player in the Championship is.

The pair debated who was better between Phillips or West Bromwich Albion's Romaine Sawyers.

Both Durham and Bent agreed that Phillips just edged Sawyers, with the latter saying: "For me, he (Kalvin Phillips) is the best player in the Championship, he is so key to what Leeds do, but for me he is playing in the wrong division, he should be playing in the Premier League." 

On why he believes Phillips is a better players than Sawyers, Bent continued: "Where Kalvin edges Romaine just a little bit is his energy, he flies into tackles and it's his intensity and aggression that just pips it for me." 

Durham added that: "If you see Kalvin Phillips off the pitch as well he seems like one of the best lads ever."

The Verdict

It will be hard to find a Leeds fan who disagrees with Bent and Durham on naming Phillips as their best Championship player.

Phillips is no doubt an integral part to United's play and it must be great for fans to hear so many media outlets and pundits put Phillips in the same light as his fanbase do.

United fans could count themselves lucky that Phillips remained at the club after United failed to gain promotion to the Premier League last term.

In seasons gone by United would have sold their prized asset leaving fans frustrated, but keeping Phillips showed the club's intent this time around.

Phillips will no doubt be playing Premier League football within the next few seasons, and it would be just if his performances can help United over the line.