Former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn believes Kalvin Phillips is a better player than West Ham United’s Declan Rice. The 24-year-old impressed for Marcelo Bielsa’s side as they push for promotion and a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004. His performances for the Whites have attracted plenty of attention, with Phillips being linked with a move to the Premier League, even if Leeds do not get there themselves. And the man who gave him his debut for Leeds’ first team back in 2015 has made a bold claim about Phillips and what he believes he can go on to achieve in football, comparing him to Rice, who has played 90 times in the Premier League for West Ham and been capped seven times by England.
Neil Redfearn said “The world is his oyster. First of all Kalvin Phillips is a beautiful build for a midfield player. He’s got a physical presence that people overlook sometimes. He can compete, he can break stuff up. In possession, his ability is second to none. His range of passing is fantastic, that’s something he’s always had. If you look at the midfield players he’s up against, someone like Rice. I’m not saying that he’s a bad young player but to me he’s not in the same ilk as Kalvin. I don’t think there’s any comparison to be honest with you.”
Meanwhile, Redfearn believes that Phillips will be challenging Rice for a place in the England side soon enough, and for many years to come. And he believes that with Bielsa’s guidance, Phillips can improve further.
Neil Redfearn said “He’s playing for, arguably, one of the best coaches in the world in Marcelo Bielsa. So he is learning off the best. Regardless of the level that’s he’s at, if he is playing at his potential and delivering every week and is consistent then for me, if were manager of England, you’ve got to be considering him.”
