Leeds United appear to have gained some stability in the Championship following a rough start that saw Daniel Farke scramble to figure out his preferred method.
After appearing to have found the spine for a successful season, the Whites have ascended to fifth place, but are still part of the playoff-seeking group that has been left behind by leaders Leicester City and pursuing Ipswich Town.
With a lengthy season ahead, there will be plenty of opportunities to close that deficit, with an immediate return to the Premier League presumably high on the former Norwich City manager’s agenda.
After a reporter questioned his choice to start Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter in opposite roles, he would describe his objectives in a very comprehensive response: “But believe me, when it comes to strikers, I know my stuff.” I know what I’m doing. I know exactly what I need to do in order to win this league. “I know my business, so let’s not bring it up again.”
After years of mismanagement, it appears that the club is finally recovering, with a real leader at the head once again poised to bring in an era of success. While it is unlikely that his departure was exclusively to blame, it certainly appear that Kalvin Phillips’ departure heralded the beginning of the end for the Whites’ stay in the top flight.
After rising through the ranks at Elland Road, the 27-year-old midfielder quickly became a fan favourite as a belligerent yet refined presence in the engine room.
He had excelled in the Championship, receiving an England call-up upon their promotion, before transferring his talents to the Premier League.
Such form was likely to pique interest, but it appeared that his club allegiance, along with his injury difficulties, would keep him in Yorkshire a bit longer.
In the end, the temptation of Manchester City proved too much for him, and he would leave for a mouth-watering £45 million cost; a hefty sum considering the enforcer had only started 18 league games the previous year due to different illnesses.
Opportunities have seldom been more plentiful since going to the Etihad.
When he made the ill-advised transfer, Phillips tried to excuse his departure by saying, “It’s one of the main reasons I wanted to come to City, to improve my game in loads of different ways.” It’s impossible for me to explain how I’ll contribute to the squad right now since it’s quite difficult to join a team with eighteen superstars.”
Jesse Marsch would even say that the Leeds-born player “misses being here” after returning to Elland Road in December 2022 to watch a game.
That should come as no surprise given how terrific he was and how far he has now fallen.
How talented was Kalvin Phillips?
It would be difficult to disagree that the 2020/21 season was Phillips’ best to date, given how great and essential he became not just for club but also for nation.
After starring in the Premier League, where his 7.21 average match rating indicated an exceptional player, he would take his form to the international scene as a staple for Gareth Southgate’s England, reaching the Euro 2020 final before losing to Italy.
