Leeds United continued their unbeaten start to life in the Championship in 2018/19 with a 3-0 victory over Norwich City at the weekend.
Goals from Mats Klich, Ezgjan Alioski and Pablo Hernandez gave us the comfortable victory at Carrow Road and there were plenty of talking points that came from game given our overall performance once again.
One particular talking point was the performance of Kalvin Phillips who retained his place in the starting lineup for the match despite the individual mare he had against Swansea City that led to him behind substituted inside of the opening half hour.
22-year-old Phillips has been a pivoted part of the first team so far this year and many speculated that Marcelo Bielsa’s decision did have more to do with the yellow card he was sporting, more than his actual showing on the day and it seems that was the case as he retained faith in him, and got the perfect reward.
The player was immense on the day.
Kalvin Phillips was excellent again yesterday & all credit to him for not letting the Swansea game have a negative impact. Linked midfield, put out fires & protected well. Also think that Bielsa taking him off early v Swansea helped with KP’s energy levels v Norwich. #lufc #MOT
— Marc F (@billywigwam13) August 26, 2018
Just watched the full game again. Phillips passing, tackling, blocking, positioning is next level #lufc
— Neils Diamond (@NeilsDiamond) August 26, 2018
Finally watched extended highlights – how good was Kalvin Phillips? Unbelievable work #lufc
— Reverend Anderson Molenaar III (@RevAMol) August 25, 2018
Amazing what a coach who knows how to motivate can do.
— branden (@branden35866533) August 26, 2018
Kalvin Phillips. To come back from being subbed in the first half last game and produce that performance today was absolutely exceptional ???????????????????????? #lufc
— Shaun Powley (@ShaunoP87) August 25, 2018
Kalvin Phillips cpuld have quite easily let the Swansea sub knock him, instead he came back & bossed it today. What a way to bounce back, well done that man #lufc #MOT #alaw
— James Cockerham (@h_cockerham) August 25, 2018
Phillips. Brilliant. Well played, correct response to early substitution. More Bielsa magic at work #LUFC
— Gary G (@Leeds_Gary) August 25, 2018
To a man absolutely brilliant today! Marcelo Bielsa is a genius. Special shout out to Kalvin Phillips though, thought he was outstanding and a great response to his performance Tuesday night. Top of the league #lufc #mot
— Nick Carlin (@Nicklufc801) August 25, 2018
Fantastic stuff from all involved and Bielsa certainly deserves his plaudits – more on Phillips later.