During Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa’s midweek press conference ahead of the weekend’s clash with Huddersfield Town, our Argentine gaffer confirmed who would be replacing Kalvin Phillips in the starting line up for the tie.
23-year-old Phillips picked up his fifth booking of the campaign in the last clash with Middlesbrough and now has to serve an automatic one match ban and with a number of fans already feeling that Ben White would be a suitable replacement given his style and quality, despite not properly featuring in that position before, Bielsa confirmed that White had been practising the role during training.
Reaction amongst the fans was mixed, with plenty expressing some concern about disrupting the backline, others however, were delighted with the decision and felt that it could only improve our strength at the back.
This scares me as it takes him away from CB
— JBwhite32 (@BoockerJayson) 5 December 2019
Just means that huddersfield players wont get near our CBs with white in front 👍💪 MOT
— Adam Green (@AdamGreen0823) 5 December 2019
That's another 5 Million we've added to his valuation
— vote Bielsa (@schmucklevision) 5 December 2019
Personally thought he looked a little lost there for the 10 mins he played Saturday. Didn't get in the same positions or show for the ball as much as Kalv. I'd rather keep that solid base with White in defence and give McCalmont a go. Risky yes, but he's certainly capable.
— Alfie (@AlfieStackhouse) 5 December 2019
Think he will do great there
— Dan Dewsnap (@dansnaplufc) 5 December 2019
From maldini to gattuso
— Joey 🏴 (@lufcjoey) 5 December 2019
Only Bielsa would take the leagues best CB, absolutely cruising there and put him in midfield lol, but it'll probably work #ElLoco
— Joe Orrell (@Joe_O90) 5 December 2019
For his height and strength and technique on ball he’s the best option for me
— Glenn Bugge (@Buggey20) 5 December 2019
Would prefer to keep white at the back myself and either use another utility player or blood a youngster.
— One Block More (@one_block_more) 5 December 2019
Had Adam Forshaw or Jamie Shackleton been available and not injured, I doubt Bielsa would’ve made this decision but dealing with the players we have available, if it doesn’t work it’s only one game and if it does, we all win here don’t we.
Is White the right man to replace Phillips in midfield?
Yes
No
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