Exclusive:'I believe' - Stuart Dallas delivers verdict on Sheffield United's ex-Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips
Stuart Dallas has delivered a verdict on his former Leeds United teammate - and current Sheffield United loanee - Kalvin Phillips
Stuart Dallas believes Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder will get the best out of his former Leeds United teammate Kalvin Phillips.
Dallas and Phillips were teammates at Leeds for nearly a decade and both played a key role in the club’s ascent to the Premier League.
Injury eventually forced Dallas into early retirement, while fitness and form issues pumped the brakes on Phillips’ meteoric rise.
The latter, now 30, is still contracted to Manchester City but is back in the Championship as a loanee with Sheffield United.
The midfielder is hoping to reignite his career under the tutelage of Wilder, who has the backing of ex-Leeds utility man Dallas.
Stuart Dallas issues Kalvin Phillips verdict
The 35-year-old told The Yorkshire Post: “Kalvin’s ability is not doubted, he just hasn’t shown it enough in the last number of years for whatever reason.
“Loan moves haven’t worked out for him and injuries have held hm back a bit. He’ll look back at that period of his career and wish he’d played more, but he’ll have learnt a lot about himself.
“On his day he should be playing Premier League football, but he’s taken a chance by going to Sheffield United to prove himself again and I believe Chris Wilder will get the best out of him. He’s a really good manager.”
Sheffield United’s former Leeds United stars
Sheffield United have endured a difficult start to the season and Phillips has had to be patient. After a handful of substitute apppearances, the England-capped Yorkshireman started Sheffield United’s last two league games before the international break.
Dallas said: “They’re going through a difficult patch at the minute but having Kalvin will be important for them, his passing ability and his ability to break up play is huge.
“Patrick Bamford is there too and for me when he’s fit, he’s the best striker in the Championship. It’s important for Chris Wilder that he gets both of them firing because a fully fit Kalvin Phillips is also the best midfielder in the Championship.
“It’s all about that fitness now for him and showing what he’s all about, showing why he got that move to Manchester City and finding his love for the game again. It’s easy to get frustrated in his position because of lack of game time in recent years.
“You look back at him starring for England and he must be wanting to get back to that level. He’s at a fantastic football club to do that and I wish him well.”
Stuart Dallas was speaking as part of the NIFL BOYLE Sports Premiership Trophy Tour. 18+ BeGambleAware.