Chief football writer Graham Smyth and reporter Joe Urquhart discussed Leeds United’s current situation on Inside Elland Road podcast and touched upon the subject of Kalvin Phillips.

The 24-year-old midfielder missed Leeds’ clash against Middlesbrough at the end of February and while Marcelo Bielsa insisted the team can cope well without him, Smyth doesn’t seem to fully agree with that statement.

He highlighted that their opposition had more control due to the player’s absence and even though he does admit it’s not the end of the world if he’s not there, it still makes quite a difference.

Here’s what he said for Inside Elland Road podcast (27/2/2020): “I slightly disagree with Bielsa that Leeds United cope well without Phillips. I don’t think they cope brilliantly. I think they cope okay, but I don’t think they cope brilliantly and I feel like they’d have had a lot more control in that game. Boro would have had a lot less success in the middle of the pitch and Leeds would have had the ball more I think.”

Of course, the crucial player he is, Phillips has already recorded 31 games in the ongoing Championship campaign, only missing clashes when he was suspended or injured. When he’s fit and available, however, he always starts every single game, which is evident in his appearance right from the start in every single one of those 31 games he’s played so far.

Coping without him is difficult for Leeds given he averages the highest amount of tackles (2.8, via WhoScored), crosses and long-balls per game, so Smyth does appear to have a point.  It remains to be seen, however, if they can keep the momentum going until the end of the season and keep hold of their position or even improve on it by jumping over league leaders, West Brom.

Leeds fans, do you think your team can cope well without Phillips in the squad? Do you agree with Bielsa or Smyth in this case? Let us know in the comments down below!