Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has waxed lyrical about Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and explained how he possesses the same key trait as Manchester United legend Michael Carrick.
The Whites' academy graduate starred in front of the TV cameras as Marcelo Bielsa's side narrowly lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Monday.
Despite the defeat, Leeds' dominant first-half performance was a reminder to those unaware that Bielsa has built a side equipt to challenge the very best England has to offer.
Murphy has insisted that regardless of Leeds' fate in the final months of the season, Phillips will be a Premier League player next season after impressing at the Emirates Stadium.
The ex-Spurs midfielder also likened Phillips' movement at the base of United's midfield to Carrick, a Premier League title winner on five occasions.
"He's a terrific player, I first saw him 18 months ago when he first stood out in a game and I thought 'keep an eye on him'. I always look at midfielder, it's a natural thing," Murphy told talkSPORT.
"I really liked his movement and when you're at a game you get to see it. When the ball is getting knocked about with the back four and the 'keeper, in that holding role, you have to be really cute and clever, Carrick was one of the best at it.
"How has someone always got time on the ball? Well, it's what they do before they receive the ball. Movement, to get into the space and went to move towards the ball and when to stay away from the ball to lose the marker which was Ozil, who couldn't get near him.
"His distribution was really good. He was really disciplined in his distribution. He didn't want to be the star of the show by hitting 50-yard pings all the time. He did play through the lines sometimes, knew when to play safe, at time and his set-plays were really good.
"If Leeds were to mess up and not go up, I think he'll be a Premier League player next season. Someone will take him for sure."
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