'I love him' - Glenn Hoddle blown away by Leeds United player, Rio Ferdinand echoes praise

Former England manager Glenn Hoddle has admitted that he “loves” Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United.  (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Elland Road favourite has enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League, and has gone on to establish himself as a regular fixture of Gareth Southgate’s England squad in recent months.

With this summer’s European Championships just around the corner, the 25-year-old is in real contention for a spot in the Three Lions’ plans, and Hoddle has argued that is exemplary range of passing makes his inclusion a no-brainer.

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In a feature for BT Sport, the Tottenham Hotspur legend picked his 26-man squad alongside Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole, and made it clear just how highly he thinks of the Leeds ace.

He said: “I love him.

"What we said about [Declan] Rice becoming a better passer forward, this kid’s already got it.

"That balance would be interesting. I wouldn’t mind playing both of them in there.

"I’d be happy with it if [Jordan] Henderson isn’t fit.”

Former Whites defender Ferdinand was quick to echo Hoddle’s sentiments.

He said: "I like Phillips, I really like him.

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"I watched him the other day again closely against Manchester United. I thought he was all-action, all over the pitch, and he’s unfazed.

"He’s come into the Premier League and hit the ground running, put the England shirt on, not a problem.”

Hoddle responded: "He’s brave in his passing too. If he sees it, he’ll hit it.”

So far, Phillips has made seven appearances in an England shirt.