Leeds United are back on top after beating Swansea City at Elland Road, and fans could not get enough of Kalvin Phillips’ dominant display.
The defensive midfielder was the man of the hour last weekend with his stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a point at Middlesbrough, but turned provider on Wednesday night against the Swans, when Ezgjan Alioski’s effort from outside the box fell kindly to Pontus Jansson.
Birthday boy Jansson’s strike set up a win that saw Marcelo Bielsa’s side overturn Norwich’s points advantage to move to the top of the Championship table again.
Phillips stood out to the Elland Road faithful for his performance that featured 73 successful passes, winning two aerial duels, four tackles and registering two interceptions.
When Leeds fan accounts LeedsMe and LUFC data picked up on his stats after the game, other supporters were quick to rush with their praise, including one who noted the 23-year-old is “fast becoming as important as [David] Batty” was during the Whites’ promotion campaign back in 1990.
Altogether, the 42-cap former England international featured in 178 games for United, and went on to lift the final old League One trophy in 1992.
Here is some of the top praise for Phillips…
Some player
— Andy Baggott (@TheBagpuss) February 14, 2019
Fast becoming as important as Batty was when we got promoted in 1990 @Kalvinphillips #MOT
— Steve Smith (@smithy2607) February 14, 2019
Credit were credit is due he’s definitely growing on me……and I’ve never rated him tbh
— Andy Firth (@AndrewFirth21) February 14, 2019
@Jack_jg9 @LewyPearce @Mikeblunt22 absolute beast
— Liam Gatting (@Liam_gatting14) February 14, 2019
Haha mate I more than remember and it wasn’t just me. How Bielsa has turned Phillips and Cooper into these players is unbelievable.
— Lewy Pearce (@LewyPearce) February 14, 2019
He’s magic…you knoooowwwww…Phillips the Yorkshire Pirlooooo!!!! #lufc #Topoftheleague
— Kent White (@AdamParmenter1) February 14, 2019
He is the difference.
— Michael Cooke ???????? (@Mickledonions) February 13, 2019
if ya know ya footy ya know he was immense tonight ????
— seni@leeds (@Mjsenior1983) February 13, 2019
Has to be one of the best in both efl and premiership no doubt.
— Bren (@brenmcdaid) February 14, 2019