LEEDS, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 16: Detail view of the Leeds United club badge on the corner flag prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Newcastle United at Elland Road on December 16, 2020 in Leeds, England.The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Rui Vieira - Pool/Getty Images)
Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford is tipping Kalvin Phillips to bounce back next season and dish out a firm reminder of his talents. It would be something of an understatement to say Phillips’ time at West Ham United has not gone to plan.
The Leeds-born midfielder joined the Hammers on loan in January in the hope of picking up much-needed minutes after struggling to catch the eye of Man City boss Pep Guardiola. Unfortunately for Phillips, though, while he has been given opportunities, he has struggled for traction in east London and the mistakes he has made have led to him receiving huge amounts of criticism.
The England international made costly errors in his first two outings for the club before being shown a red card against Nottingham Forest in February. That was before difficult showings against Burnley and Newcastle United, with the Hammers throwing away a two-goal lead following his introduction in the latter.
Phillips has played just 15 minutes of football since that St James’ Park clash, with his place in David Moyes’ pecking order noticeably slipping. As such, it’s clear that West Ham won’t be making Phillips’ loan permanent in the summer and with a future at Man City hard to see, he is expected to be on the move once more ahead of next season.
He has been linked with a return to Elland Road, should Leeds win promotion, while Fulham are also said to be interested. Wherever Phillips goes, though, Bamford believes he will silence his doubters.
“I think for Kalv, he went to City, training with top players which will bring on your level,” Bamford told Joe Wilkinson on his BBC podcast, ‘My Mate’s A Footballer’. “But there is a big difference to training every day. Playing a few minutes, to playing match after match.
