Sky Sports pundit Keith Andrews has hailed the returning Kalvin Phillips singling out the midfielder as a factor in Leeds' upturn in form. 

Phillips had missed United's games with Millwall, Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest following his straight red card against Queens Park Rangers in January.

Marcelo Bielsa's men only managed three points from the three fixtures Phillips was absent for, surprisingly losing out to Wigan at Elland Road before putting in a below-par performance away to Forest the following week.

Since the 24-year-old's return to the side, Leeds have looked like their familiar self, with a solid 1-1 draw at Brentford before a 1-0 victory over Bristol City saw the Whites open up a three-point gap to third place.

Speaking to Sky Sports' EFL Podcast, former Republic of Ireland midfielder pointed out the key factor in the upturn in Leeds' fortunes - midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Discussing Phillips' return, Andrews said: "I think his break (suspension) has done him the world of good, Leeds obviously went on a tricky run and missed him in midfield.

"They had to play Ben White in midfield and it didn't quite work," continued Andrews.

"There is no coincidence that the performances have taken an upturn since his arrival back into the team and you have to say the way results went at the weekend, Leeds were the winners.

"If you look at the performance against Brentford and then a comprehensive win over Bristol City it was a good week for Leeds," added the former Blackburn man.

United will be keen to build on their recent upturn in form when they host Reading on Saturday, with the Royals looking to add to their impressive 3-0 victory at Sheffield Wednesday last week.

The Verdict 

Andrews has said what a lot of Leeds fans were most probably thinking about Phillips during his absence and his return to the side.

Leeds are a completely different side when Phillips is in it and his suspension served as a reminder as to just how important he is to Marcelo Bielsa's side.

As Andrews mentioned it really is no coincidence that Leeds' form has picked over the past two games since he has returned to the side, and should the Whites go on to win promotion there will be no doubt Phillips will play a crucial role in achieving that.

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