Former Leeds striker and radio pundit Noel Whelan has been discussing the player he has been most impressed with for the Whites this season.

Speaking to the Sporting Life podcast, Whelan has identified Kalvin Phillips as one player who has stood out amongst an impressive group after the first four games of the campaign.

“Kalvin Phillips is absolutely integral,” he said. “He’s that one that sits between the two centre-halves, to give them that strength and allows the wing-backs to get high – Luke Ayling and Barry Douglas. Without Phillips doing that sitting role, and that disciplined role, it would not allow Leeds to play. There’s a lot of trust in this Leeds side.”

The 22-year old has featured in all four of Leeds' games this season and is currently on 99 appearances in his Leeds career.

Last season the former academy player made 43 outings, scoring seven times, but his performances under the new manager have been eye-catching in the extreme.

The midfielder is widely expected to start against Swansea this evening, earning his 100th appearance for his hometown club.

The Verdict

Whelan is absolutely on the mark, here, Phillips has been excellent and has played  every minute of Bielsa's competitive reign so far.

Whether he can keep that pace up through the season is open to question, but he's been incredible in the deeper-lying role and is delivering on the potential he's shown ever since breaking through.

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