Paul Robinson says that Kalvin Phillips is essential to Leeds United's gameplan.
The midfielder misses this afternoon's game against Brighton with a knee injury, with Robin Koch and Mateusz Klich operating in Phillips' usual area instead.
Phillips has had an excellent first season in the Premier League, winning his maiden England caps as a reward for his performances for the Whites.
He has so far made 26 appearances for his boyhood club this season, also making seven England appearances since his debut last September.
The 25-year-old's absences in previous games this season have been sorely felt by the Whites this season and Robinson can understand why, arguing they have no direct replacement for the talismanic holding midfielder.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Robinson said that the likes of Struijk and Robin Koch have been unable to fill Phillips' shoes this season when given the opportunity.
The former Leeds goalkeeper added that Phillips and top scorer Patrick Bamford are the two essential players to Marcelo Bielsa's side due to his unique style of play.
He said: "He’s hugely important to Leeds and hugely important to the way they play.
"They’ve had central defensive problems all season and haven’t been able to get a regular pairing, but when Kalvin Phillips sits in front, he stops the supply line getting to those central defenders.
"He’s the lynchpin to everything they do.
"A lot of the play going forward comes through him too, they’ve played Struijk there, Robin Koch, it’s been a difficult position for Leeds.
"Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips are so essential to the way they play."
