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Charlie Austin gives very honest Twitter verdict on Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips

Will Butcher

Wed 29 April 2020 7:45, UK

Charlie Austin has responded to a Tweet from TalkSPORT which asked supporters who they feel is the best player in the EFL, and the West Bromwich Albion striker picked his teammate – before making a prediction about Leeds star Kalvin Phillips.

Austin chose Brazilian magician Matheus Pereira who remains on loan at West Brom from Sporting Lisbon, who has laid on a whopping 16 assists in 33 Championship outings – as well as finding the back of the net six times himself.

Phillips, meanwhile, has been heavily praised for his performances at the base of Leeds’ midfield. Many feel that the Thorp Arch academy product can break into the England side, and was on the verge of a call-up before the global health crisis struck.

Austin, who has scored nine goals in 30 outings for West Brom since he joined the Baggies, believes Pereira is the best in the league and reckons Phillips is a close second – predicting he has a big future in the game.

Best player in the efl is he has proved time and time again this season how good he is and will be, followed closely by kalvin Phillips who will also go on and have a very good career

— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10)

TBR’s view – Is Phillips as good as Austin states?

Ebere Eze is continuing to show he is one of the best playmakers outside of the Premier League, while Wayne Rooney has hit the ground running. Aleksandar Mitrovic should not be in the Championship, while Ben White has gone from unknown to hero.

Certainly, there are plenty of contenders for the best player outside of the Premier League. But Austin is right, Pereira and Phillips have been the two stand-out performers from the best two Championship sides this season.

Whether that future is at Leeds, remains to be seen. Phillips has a contract until 2024.