Leeds United fans favourite Pablo Hernandez has hailed the impact Kalvin Phillips had during the promotion season and believes he can get his career back on track after struggling since leaving Elland Road.

Hernandez spent five years with the Whites, making 175 appearances before leaving on a free transfer in 2021. He bagged 36 goals and 41 assists. The 39-year-old was a mainstay in Marcelo Bielsa's team as the Argentinian head coach integrated Phillips into the fold.

The Whites' academy graduate went from strength to strength under Bielsa, earning his first England call-up. Phillips was an influential figure for his country as they reached the EURO 2020 Final, only to be beaten on penalties by Italy.

It was those impressive displays with his country, combined with his Leeds United form, which prompted Pep Guardiola's side to sign the midfielder for a reported fee of PS45million. However, it's not worked out for Phillips since moving to the Etihad, making just 31 appearances in two seasons before a loan spell with West Ham United last season and Ipswich Town for the current campaign.

"That year of promotion, Kalvin Phillips was a young player who had come out of the Leeds youth academy, a very important player for us and Manchester City paid EUR50m I think for him," Hernandez told Flashscore.

"He hasn't had the luck there; he hasn't had the opportunity to prove himself. We know the quality of players there and in his position too, because he has had Rodri, who has been a regular for Guardiola, and who I think is the best midfielder in the world.

"Kalvin has now had to look for minutes elsewhere, but he is a lad who physically is a plane, he is a bull, and he plays very good football. Hopefully now he can get his career back on track, prove his worth and come back to City tomorrow."

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