There will have been a big sigh of relief across the City of Leeds yesterday afternoon, as Leeds United secured the long-term future of Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds moved to announce Phillips’ new five-year deal on Monday afternoon, with the 23-year-old now committed to the Whites until the summer of 2024 after a period of speculation.

Phillips has become a vital part of the Leeds United cog under Marcelo Bielsa, sitting just ahead of the defence and dictating play from the base of midfield.

Since his Leeds debut in 2015, Phillips has made nearly 150 appearances for his boyhood club, with some memorable moments along the way.

In wake of his new deal, we’ve opted to take a look at three of those memorable moments…

Home debut goal

Phillips made his debut in a 4-3 defeat against Wolves in April 2015, with Neil Redfearn placing his trust in another academy graduate.

A week later, he was starting at Elland Road for the very first time.

Despite a 2-1 defeat to Cardiff City, Phillips was on the scoresheet – rather fortunately – after converting a Charlie Taylor cross.

Taylor’s delivery was caught in the wind, with Phillips arriving late into the area to convert.

His influence on the side is much greater now, but he will never forget that moment.

Emergence under Bielsa

Bielsa might’ve been the seventh boss that Phillips has played under, but he’s the one that’s had the biggest impact on his career.

Under previous regimes, Phillips drifted in and out of the starting line-up, but now, he’s the first name on the teamsheet.

Bielsa has placed masses of trust in Phillips in defensive midfield, with Leeds now having a £25m+ player on their hands.

The first outing in his new-found role came on the opening day of last season, as Leeds dispatched Stoke City.

There have been a few bumps in the road, but Phillips is perhaps the Argentine’s biggest success story at Leeds so far.

A new Leeds deal

 

Finally, you’ve got to note this recent contract extension as a memorable moment.

A Leeds noted, they turned down Premier League interest in Phillips over the summer, with bids over £20m on the table.

That’s significant in itself, and Phillips now committing himself until 2024 screams of the ambition around Elland Road right now.

As much as he won’t forget his first Leeds goal or cementing his place in the midfield, Phillips will never forget signing this new deal.