Premier League half-term report part 2 - Leeds United's midfielders and wingers rated as Kalvin Phillips shines and Raphinha sparkles

The Whites sit 12th in the Premier League table, which is just fine given their goal of staying in the division, and even if midfield consistency has not been there from start to finish, Leeds have enjoyed some standout performances from the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich.

Out wide, Leeds have enjoyed some moments of brilliance and some frustration.

Here's the second part of our half-term report, focusing on the midfielders and wide men in Bielsa's squad, with the average match rating they're received from the YEP.

Kalvin Phillips - 6.9

A couple of blips aside, the Old Trafford nightmare and the Chelsea chastening spring to mind, Phillips has shown himself to be a Premier League player. It was long expected, last season he was too good for many Championship sides, and he is proving it most weeks this season. He might not be as dominant as he was in the second tier, but there have been more than enough very solid performances and a handful in which he was outstanding. His excellence is demonstrated when he's absent, too. Of all the players in the Leeds team, Phillips is one of a select group whose absence is truly painful for the side. He's still learning too. Against Manchester City he had a quiet start and was marked out of the game, but he found a way to get on the ball, stem the tide and move Leeds forward.

Raphinha - 6.9

What a bargain. What a player. Capable of moments of inspiration, he's scored three very good goals and his assist for Jack Harrison's winner this week was terrific. What is really enjoyable to watch is his movement. He gives his marker a horrible time, even when the ball is on the opposite side of the pitch. His runs into central areas give Leeds an extra attacking presence. Not every performance has been sparkling, he was unable to add much at all at Crawley or against Brighton, but he's been worth far more than the £17m or so Leeds paid for him.

Mateusz Klich - 6.8

Dropped for only the second time under Marcelo Bielsa in midweek, Klich has had a difficult time of it in recent weeks. But when you look at his contribution since the start of the season, the story certainly isn't bleak. He began brilliantly, at Liverpool, and followed that with five very good performances in a row. He was then very good against Arsenal and Everton and excellent against Newcastle, at home, and West Brom, away. In the month since that win over the Baggies Klich has played just three games, which is not what he is used to and nor is it what he likes. He prefers games coming thick and fast. Whatever the reason for this little slump, expect him to come again. Goals have been an issue and a source of frustration, so maybe one of those would spark him back to life.

Jack Harrison - 6.5

Harrison has been responsible for some of the best goals Leeds United have scored this season. His finish against Newcastle at home was exquisite, and the one in midweek wasn't bad either. But it's his first touch, the one he used to such good effect against Liverpool before scoring at Anfield, that provides more regular excitement. His work ethic has been excellent and he has been responsible for a lot of chance creation. He hasn't been entirely consistent and there have been poorer displays, a few bad misses and a lack of quality deliveries in certain games, but overall he's made that left wing position his and it's difficult to see anyone else taking it.

Ian Poveda - 6.5

His Manchester City cameo was probably the highlight, so far. He's had to settle for cameos throughout and has shown enough, in a number of games, to explain why Bielsa likes him so much. A tricky player with real pace, he's capable of making defenders look silly. What needs to follow is more consistency with his final ball and a continued improvement in decision making.

Helder Costa - 6.3

A winger Bielsa favoured and relied on last season, Costa has lost out to Raphinha and the Brazilian will take some shifting. Unfortunately for Costa he hasn't been able to produce many moments of magic and his most recent displays have been a far cry from his early season form, when he was so good against Fulham and Manchester City. But a lack of gametime has to be considered as a reason for his lack of impact, of late.

Jamie Shackleton - 6.2

His performance as a substitute against Aston Villa and his contribution against West Brom have been the highlights for the midfielder, who has also slotted in at right-back. Shackleton has looked tidy and reliable on the ball. What he needs is more chances and with Mateusz Klich's recent form perhaps one will come Shackleton's way. He might need to remain patient, but he's already racked up impressive Premier League minutes for a 21-year-old not that long out of the academy and 23s football.