Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes that Kalvin Phillips' call-up to the England national team could hinder his performances for Leeds United.
The Whites' midfield maestro was named in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions' squad for their upcoming Nations League matches last week.
Phillips could make his full England debut when they face Iceland away from home on Saturday, September 5, before making the trip to Copenhagen to face Denmark on Tuesday, September 8.
Phillips' is the first Leeds player to receive international recognition since Sven-Goran Eriksson named former Whites midfielder Alan Smith in his England squad way back in March 2004.
However, former Leeds number nine Hasselbaink believes that the extra pressure of competing for his country could prove an unhelpful distraction at Elland Road.
"It is massive for Leeds that they have Kalvin Phillips as an England international in their squad," Hasselbaink told GentingBet.
"I have followed him a lot. I do think it is a little bit too early for him to be involved, but I think he’ll get there – but this could give him a boost.
"He's a level-headed guy as far as I have seen but I would have wanted him to play really well in the Premier League first before being called up.
"Look, it's going to be a great experience for him but I would want him to not have to think about the England jersey yet and just think about only the Premier League.
"He's going to be a very, very important person for Leeds next year. Because he's Leeds through and through.
"He’s going to be the face of Leeds this season, so he will have already a lot on his shoulders."
