Exclusive: Nigel Martyn explains why Kalvin Phillips is marginally better than Everton star

Wed 25 November 2020 19:45, UK

Nigel Martyn has told The Boot Room that he believes Leeds United star and fan favourite Kalvin Phillips is marginally better than Everton star Allan – after both holding midfielders helped their sides to impressive results over the weekend.

Phillips, 24, returned against Arsenal on Sunday after missing the last three games with a shoulder injury. It is little surprise to many that without the Leeds academy product, Marcelo Bielsa’s men suffered 4-1 defeats to Leicester City and Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, Brazil international Allan was signed by Carlo Ancelotti from former side Napoli for a fee of £21million () in the summer, and he has since starred for the Toffees. Indeed, Allan did well against Fulham on Sunday, helping his side win 3-2.

Comparing both anchoring midfield players, Martyn claimed that while Allan is top player – he feels Leeds star Phillips offers slightly more when it comes to getting across the pitch quicker, whereas Allan has a tendency to follow the ball.

Everton v West ham United - Carabao Cup Fourth Round

(Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)

“Kalvin’s reading of the game, perhaps, is better,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “Allan is a really good player, he has impressed me. He breaks a lot of things up. He follows the ball instead of staying with his man sometimes, which can happen.

“They’re very similar, but Phillips is more mobile, quicker. Allan is an intelligent guy and does a good job. Both do a good job, there’s no criticism towards either – but Kalvin is a bit quicker on his feet and for a young guy, he reads the game really well.”

TBR’s view – Phillips more of a driving force than Allan

As Martyn states, both players do a crucial job for their sides and without their influence on the team – Everton and Leeds struggle. Physically and in the air, Phillips is seemingly superior – while he tries more attacking passes than Allan.

His beautifiul assist for Jack Harrison’s goal against Liverpool is proof that although he is firstly a holding midfield, Phillips is more of a deep-lying playmaker – whereas Allan feeds James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure to provide creativity.

Phillips cuts out the middle man, and is therefore slightly more progressive. Leeds take on Everton at Goodison Park this weekend, which will see Allan and Phillips do battle.

(Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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Exclusive: Nigel Martyn explains why Kalvin Phillips is marginally better than Everton star

TBR’s view – Phillips more of a driving force than Allan