What Kalvin Phillips really thinks of Chris Wilder revealed after Sheffield United transfer | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips has revealed his thoughts on Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder after the Leeds United hero arrived on loan from Man City.

Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips has joined Chris Wilder at Sheffield United on loan from Man City on transfer deadline day.

Phillips was one of three deadline day signings for the Blades, with other former Leeds United players arriving at Bramall Lane in the form of Sunderland's Leo Hjelde on loan and Rangers' Joe Rothwell permanently.

Including Patrick Bamford and Jamie Shackleton, there are plenty who have now switched West Yorkshire for South Yorkshire in recent seasons, with the familiar faces likely to help Phillips bed in swiftly.

Phillips wanted to move back to Yorkshire via Sheffield United, despite there being some Premier League interest in his services. The 30-year-old has plenty of competition to contend with at the base of midfield, however.

Leeds hero Kalvin Phillips reveals his thoughts on Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder

Phillips competed against Chris Wilder and co. in 2018/19, with Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds pipped to the automatic promotion places by Sheffield United and Norwich City.

In fact, the year prior, when Sheffield United had just been promoted out of League One, they came to Elland Road and won 2-1 thanks to David Brooks' last gasp goal. It was Phillips who struck a fantastic equaliser outside of the box for Leeds.

Wilder will know all about him from that season and the promotion battle the year after, with Phillips transitioned from a nine-goal advanced midfielder in 2017/18 to a defensive midfield linchpin under Bielsa less than a year later.

Now, Phillips has revealed his thoughts ahead of working under Wilder, with the midfielder excited at the prospect of playing regular first-team football again following just seven minutes in the EFL Cup this season.

Phillips spoke in an interview on YouTube, via Sheffield United Way on X, and said: "I've always liked Chris. I've always liked the manager.

"Obviously, I've played against him, had a few battles against his teams, and I've always thought he was a really good manager.

"An honest manager, and hard working as well. So, it's something that I look for. I feel like I'd enjoy playing under him."

Kalvin Phillips' Championship experience

Phillips will bring obvious quality and physicality at the base of midfield, even if he will be lacking some match sharpness. The intangibles include leadership and experience.

Having played 167 Championship and play-off matches, there are very few players in the Blades squad who can match or beat his understanding of this league.

A strong season could culminate in a late play-off push, which would potentially mean another move to Sheffield United in the summer. Phillips will be in the final two years of his Man City contract in June.

The most important aspect is for the former England international to get playing and fully sharp again. He's a Premier League player when fully up to speed, which Wilder will know as well.