Kalvin Phillips lifts the lid on Leeds United central defence duties under Marcelo Bielsa

The Whites take on West Brom in the Premier League this evening.
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Kalvin Phillips says he enjoys playing in central defence under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United.

The Whites academy graduate has become a vital part of the Elland Road set-up in recent seasons under the Argentine, sitting in midfield in front of the back four.

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Phillips' form in West Yorkshire as a defensive linchpin has seen him called up for England recently as he adjusts to life in the Premier League following the club's promotion last term.

Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Burnley. Pic: GettyLeeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Burnley. Pic: Getty
Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips in action against Burnley. Pic: Getty

Bielsa, though, has deployed the 25-year-old in the heart of a back three on occasion when facing two strikers during his time in charge.

Phillips put in a man-of-the-match performance against Burnley on Sunday afternoon in a role at the back alongside Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk.

Injuries have seen United shuffle their defence numerous times this season, but Phillips admits he is more than happy to move back and fill in when required.

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“I don’t mind it, I get a lot of the ball," Phillips said over his positional change.

“I’m a defensive midfielder, so I like seeing the game in front of me as well.

“I enjoyed it, but I obviously like to play in my normal role as much as possible.

“With me coming in and playing at centre-half and Pascal Struijk coming in and doing very well [against Burnley], it is good for the back four-five that we have got a clean sheet and especially our goalkeeper Illan Meslier as well, so we are very happy.”