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Leeds United handing a new contract to this 23-year-old powerhouse is a massive step in the right direction

Why Leeds United should hand Kalvin Phillips a new contract

According to a report from the BBC, Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is “very close” to signing a new deal with the club.

Kalvin Phillips, 23, had an excellent 2018/19 campaign with Leeds United, who came so close to achieving top-flight promotion. His consistent performances saw him catch Aston Villa’s attention and at one point it looked Dean Smith would get his man.

A move didn’t materialise eventually, however, and as things stand now, the 23-year-old is close to signing an extension at Elland Road.

Leeds finished third in the Championship last season before losing in the play-off semi-finals to Derby County. In Marcelo Bielsa’s first season at Elland Road, Phillips was an ever-present for the Whites that earned him plaudits from all fans and pundits alike.

The Whites are one of the favourites to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, and they have started the season on a positive note. And Phillips has been a regular fixture in Bielsa’s side thus far, helping his team to third in the table after six games.

From just being a promising talent, Phillips has become the beating heart of Bielsa’s system at Leeds. He has progressed fantastically well under the watchful eyes of Bielsa, establishing himself as an undisputed starter in such a short span of time.

The Yorkshire giants sold Kemar Roofe with just one year left on his current deal this summer but they cannot repeat the same mistake by losing one of their biggest assets on the cheap again next summer by not handing a new deal to Phillips. 

On the field, the new deal demonstrates the holding midfielder is happy to stay at Leeds and help Bielsa’s army clinch promotion this time around.

Kalvin Phillips

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Phillips is a very good player and is one of the best central midfielders in the Championship.

The 23-year-old is a key figure at Leeds, excellent in screening the backline, winning back possession and dictating the tempo of the game. Undoubtedly, he has been the standout player to come through the academy.

Verdict

Hence, it would make complete sense for Leeds to hand Phillips a new contract and secure his future. Keeping the 23-year-old in the long term has to be the goal and a new deal represents a step in the right direction.