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Eddie Gray responds to criticism from Graeme Souness on Leeds United star
Eddie Gray has responded to criticism from Graeme Souness on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips during an – rubbishing such comments by explaining the job Phillips does for the team.
Phillips, who turns 25 on Wednesday, starred for Leeds on Saturday evening as the Whites secured an excellent 1-0 away win against a free-scoring Everton. The midfielder produced one of his best performances in a Leeds shirt.
However, England international came in for some criticism from Souness. The Scottish pundit claimed on that Phillips needs to score more – seemingly forgetting Phillips is a holding midfielder, a blanket for the defence.
: “One obvious criticism, 37 games last year in the Championship, two goals. I think he is a good striker of the ball, he should be shooting more. Get more goals. Be more of a goal threat. There’s a lot to like about him.”
Gray brought up Souness’ criticism during LUTV’s reflection on the 1-0 win – in which Raphinha scored the only goal of the game. He disagreed with Souness, explaining that Phillips role is a much more defensive one.
TBR’s view – Souness has got it all wrong, Phillips doesn’t score
He is not supposed to. Should Phillips get forward, Marcelo Bielsa could even criticise the midfielder for being out of position. Yes, sometimes he picks the ball up 30 yards and could have a pop at goal.
But the Leeds wingers are excellent at getting the ball into the box and attackers are much better when it comes to finishing. But to criticise Phillips for failing to score is like hammering a striker for failing to keep clean sheets.
