As reported by Football.London, Darren Bent believes that Kalvin Phillips could follow Jack Clarke and become the second Leeds United player to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The midfielder has been hugely linked with a move away from Leeds this summer, and it is believed that the club wants around £30 million for his services.
“I’d like to see Kalvin Phillips move on; he’s earned that Premier League status. He can go to Spurs, quite easily. That holding role, getting about the pitch and making tackles and that, I can see him at Tottenham easily.” – The former Premier League striker told this.
Kalvin Phillips’ rapid rise to prominence
Phillips has been a part of the senior side of Leeds United since 2015 and has made almost 150 appearances for the club across all competitions. But, it was his performance last season that made him one of the most sought after midfielders in England.
Indeed, Phillips was an ever-present figure for a Leeds United side that reached the semi-final of the Championship play-off. He made 42 league appearances, during which, he was involved in four goals. But, it was his defensive contribution in midfield that helped the Whites became a solid and cohesive unit last season.
Hence, the 23-year-old’s £30 million valuation comes as no surprise, given the impact he had in the Leeds first team last season.
What can Phillips bring to the table?
A defensive midfielder by trade, Phillips can offer exactly what is expected from a number six. He can sit in at the base of the midfield unit and protect the backline with his sharp tackles. He is also very good at reading the game, which allows him to cut off passing lanes in the middle of the park.
The Leeds United star is quite versatile as well. Aside from his preferred holding midfield role, Phillips had slotted in as a centre-back for the Whites last season, which really helped them out amid injury crisis. And this versatility is coupled with the midfielder’s aggression and tenacity – making him a complete package.
Should Tottenham go all out for Phillips?
Phillips could be a welcome addition to the Tottenham Hotspur side even though they have already signed Tanguy Ndombele this summer. The Frenchman, much like the Leeds United star, is labelled as a box to box midfielder and could turn out to be a key asset in midfield.
As for Phillips, he can offer an alternative to Eric Dier and will also hand Mauricio Pochettino an additional option in midfield, that could bode well for the Argentine given his heavy rotation policy.
