Rotherham United

Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips has been named the EFL Young Player of the Month for October.

Since his breakthrough this season, the 20 year old has excelled in the heart of the Leeds United midfield and struck up a solid partnership with his teammates.

Having progressed through the Club’s Academy, Leeds-born Phillips made his debut for the Yorkshire side back in April 2015, but only managed 12 appearances in all competitions before this season. However, having already featured 19 times this term, he has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in Gary Monk’s side.

On winning the EFL Young Player of the Month award he said:

“I’m really pleased. A lot of credit has to go to the coaching staff and the people that have been around me in training, but I’m really pleased.”

The youngster has been key to Leeds United’s recent run of form, and a good October has seen them rise to 6th in the Sky Bet Championship following victories over Norwich City, Burton Albion and Wolves.

Phillips’ standout performance this season came against Wigan Athletic, where he received praise from club captain Liam Bridcutt, who said he has “huge potential” and has been “brilliant” all season.

When asked about his current form, Phillips added: “It just goes down to hard work. I come in every day and I just want to play and do my best. I think the gaffer has seen that.

“Playing week in week out in the Championship is great, I never thought I’d really do that after last season. I think in the first couple of games I was struggling a bit, but the more I play I get better and better so hopefully I play a lot more."