Kalvin Phillips: Why the Leeds man should earn a shock England call-up

Kalvin Phillips has been a standout performer for Leeds United ever since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at the club last season, but is only now receiving the praise his displays warrant.

The 24-year-old has grown into a well-rounded player under the Argentine coach, with experiences playing in different roles benefitting his development.

Phillips is now being discussed as a candidate for the England squad with talkSPORT presenter Adrian Durham claiming he should be offered a starting role, and a closer look suggests that he may offer more than either Declan Rice or Harry Winks at the base of midfield.

Jordan Henderson is also an option, but he has excelled in a pressing number eight role at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp and will likely fill that position alongside James Maddison, Jack Grealish or Mason Mount.

In terms of passing ability, WhoScored data shows that Phillips is both averaging more passes per match than Rice and Winks, and offering more than double the number of key passes.

While Winks and Rice tend to look for the more conservative option, Phillips is far more progressive and has delivered two accurate crosses per match, compared to 0.2 for Winks and Rice.

Defensively, Phillips makes more interceptions and tackles than Winks per 90, while he also completes more clearances than either player.

The step down to the Championship is of course a factor to consider, but given that Maddison, Grealish, Mount and Reece James have all made that step up to the senior squad in the last year, it is a jump he can manage.

International football can be highly tactical and defences are usually well organised, so the added guile and creativity of Phillips from deep could prove vital if England are to unlock the potential of their attack.