Kalvin Philipps became a wold-renowned footballer all the while playing in the Championship. Few players have a similar story to that of Leeds’ regista and captain. Here are the stats behind one of Marcelo Bielsa‘s greatest players.
Kalvin Philipps’ Leeds United career
Promotion to the Premier League is all the more special for Kalvin Philipps given that he’s risen from Leeds’ youth ranks. He joined the club in 2014 as a teen. By 2015 he was already part of the first team, and easily working his way as a starting player.
Kalvin Philipps’s qualities were evident from his very first matches as a Leeds United player. The footballer possesses brilliant passing abilities, tremendous vision, and has the leadership and bravery that help him make take on difficult challenges. To paraphrase Pep Guardiola, he is the kind of player who is not afraid of anything on the field.
Kalvin Philipps’ development under Marcelo Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa‘s appointment as manager of Leeds United in 2018 caught many by surprise. The legendary Argentine manager was given free reins at the club. The team’s objective was to promote to the English Premier League in a few years’ time.
Bielsa made Phillipps a priority. He worked to develop his skills and utilized them by having the youngsters’ play in a variety of roles. Kalvin Philipps started the season as a center back. He later played as a deep-lying playmaker, and even as a defensive midfielder tasked with winning back possession.
Kalvin Philipps is a rare breed of player. This is the reason why he’s exact role is something of a controversy. Many have labeled him a modern regista because of his passing abilities. Others, call him a half-back because of the supporting role he plays in connection to the central defense area.
Kalvin Philipps’s stats
The Championship is an exhausting competition. Still, the 24-year-old footballer was present in 37 games for Leeds this season. He managed 2 goals, 2 assists, and was chosen as Man of the match on four different occasions.
His 81% passing accuracy reveals more about Kalvin Phillipps’ skill on the ball. On average he made 54 passes per game, 1.8 crosses, and 5.3 long balls forward.
Most importantly, he served as Marcelo Bielsa’s lieutenant. Philipps was the mask tasked with making the important decisions at vital points in the match. It’s no wonder that numerous clubs are interested in his services.
Kalvin Philipps and Leeds join the Premier League for the 2020/21 season. They no doubt deserve their place in the competition, and the eyes of many observers will be on them.
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