Liam Cooper hails Kalvin Phillips as 'one of the best midfielders in the world'

Kalvin Phillips is one of the best midfielders in the world, according to his Leeds United teammate Liam Cooper.

Phillips announced himself on the international stage during Euro 2020 where he was a near ever-present in the England team that reached the final. At the beginning of the tournament, his partnership with Declan Rice was criticised by some, but he silenced most of his doubters as things progressed.

His Euro 2020 displays came after he impressed during his maiden Premier League season. Last term he made 31 appearances in all competitions as the Whites secured an impressive ninth placed finish.

Leeds captain Cooper has played with Phillips since arriving at Elland Road in 2014. During an interview with Sky Sports, he said that the midfielder deserves all the plaudits coming his way.

"He announced himself in that first game against Croatia and I've told him that his life has changed forever now. He knows that though, he's not a stupid lad and lives his life the right way anyway. I've seen his journey from a young lad to where he is now and it's been a pleasure to see - and he belongs there," he said.

"He works so hard here [at Leeds], all the boys and the people of Leeds think the world of him and he deserves everything that comes his ways.

"I've seen how hard he works every single day, I see how much he takes on and turns it into his game. For me, he is one of the best midfielders in the world right now."

Leeds have already made a few additions to their squad for the 2021/22 season, signing Chelsea prospect Lewis Bate last week. He could be joined by another Blues youngster soon with Conor Gallagher said to be closing in on a loan move to the Whites.