TheGreatBarryB
Hall of Famer
Don’t think you see much of Leeds and Phillips. We conceded 8 from last 11.Henderson is the nearest. He picks the ball up deep and can ping it to the wings, make a short pass or join in the attack.
Leeds tactics make Phillips look good. They push 5 or 6 men into the attack giving him a heap of space to make his passes. The downside of that tactic is that Leeds conceded more goals than Fulham who were relegated.
A pure DLP needs to be world class in terms of creativity and passing, to make up for their lack of defensive responsibilities. Phillips isn't anywhere near world class in any aspect of the game. When he has played for England he has passed the ball backwards more than forwards and has broken up promising moves rather than assist them. He is positionally naive and a dud anywhere near the final third.
Games where we conceded a heap earlier in the season were with Ayling as cb and/or Phillips missing. Struijk emergence and then Llorente plugged things right up.
Agree he’s not world class but don’t think Henderson or Rice are either. And yes could be better in final third. His role for England lately is different to that at Leeds. Not saying he deserves to start, I’d give that to Henderson because of greater experience