If there was one man who epitomised Leeds United it would be Kalvin Phillips.
A local lad, the midfielder has grown up around the club and even supports them.
However, it could have been very different. In an interview with Yorkshire Evening Post, the 24-year-old detailed how a trial with local rivals Huddersfield Town went awry.
In turn, he ended up moving across west Yorkshire to Elland Road. The rest is history.
Phillips has gone onto become one of the most vital players in the Leeds machine. He sums up exactly what Marcelo Bielsa has brought to the club – passion, desire and a willing work rate unparallel with many others in the division.
But despite that, there may be a time when he has to leave the club. Leeds turned down offers for him in the summer with numerous Premier League outfits sniffing around the defensive midfielder.
Manchester United have been linked most recently and if the Whites fail to achieve promotion, bigger and better things may be on the horizon. If that does happen, though, Leeds can be assured that they have willing replacements waiting in the wings.
Even as options for if he’s suspended or injured, a number of players in Carlos Corberan’s U23s are making their mark, proving that there is life after Phillips.
One of those players is Alfie McCalmont. The Northern Irishman has already made his senior debut for his country this term, earning two starts in the Carabao Cup – his first appearances for the first team.
Another holding player, he’s got the ability to keep things ticking over. The same can be said for Jack Jenkins. The 18-year-old signed a new deal in November and has since become a vital part of the academy.
One of his brightest performances came last Monday as the teenager starred in a 5-1 win over Bolton. He overshadowed McCalmont and looked mature beyond his age as he earned a match rating of 7 from Leeds Live.
He featured in pre-season in a holding role, appearing as a substitute in a win over Tadcaster Albion.
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But the flow of talent doesn’t stop there. Jordan Stevens has also earned himself a new contract at Elland Road and will be eager to impress after being banned for six weeks after breaching betting regulations. 17-year-old Nohan Kenneh is in the queue as well.
However, it is McCalmont and Jenkins who are the real hopes in a deeper position. Phillips has been brilliant this term, winning 3.4 tackles per game prior to their clash with Fulham, and replacing someone of that ilk will be difficult.
That being said, they’ve got the players to replace him if needs be – they now just need to be nurtured in the correct way.
In other Leeds news, the Whites could sign the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they get promoted…
