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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…
For Leeds, holding onto Kalvin Phillips this summer was hugely encouraging news.
After all, this was a period where they lost two of their brightest sparks from last season in Kemar Roofe and Pontus Jansson.
Phillips first attracted the interest from Aston Villa during the transfer window, a deal they hoped would cost them £14m.
That was until Leeds demanded £30m for their midfield general, a fee that didn’t seem to detract further appeal from Wolves and Bournemouth.
The 23-year-old played 44 times in 2018/19, featuring at centre-half and in a defensive midfield role for Marcelo Bielsa, becoming one of the key cogs of the side.
A graduate of the Thorp Arch academy, Leeds have just been given a big indication of someone who might well be able to play alongside Phillips or even become his successor if he does actually move on at a later date.
Against Salford on Tuesday night, Bielsa handed a senior debut to midfielder Alfie McCalmont from the bench, someone who has popped up in two positions for the U23s.
The Northern Irishman has played in more forward areas but also in a holding position too.
Leeds have numerous options in attacking midfield with Mateusz Klich and Mateusz Bogusz possessing the ability to play there, as well as Tyler Roberts and Pablo Hernandez too.
Therefore, an opening could well lie in defensive midfield instead, particularly if Phillips ends up playing at the back as he did last season.
Despite being different in style to the Leeds mainstay, showing less aggression, McCalmont displayed some of the characteristics required to play in that holding role in the 26 minutes he was on the pitch against Salford.
Per Wyscout, he made one tackle, interception and clearance whilst completing 95% of his passes and creating a solitary scoring chance.
It’s clear that the teenager is rated highly, having signed a new deal in January before finally being given a senior run out this week.
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The 19-year-old has a fine passing ability whilst his efforts to dictate the play have also been noted.
Following his performance in pre-season against York, Noel Whelan had the following to say about him:
“It’s going to be a fantastic experience no matter what comes of this young man. He’s there, he’s already shone, he’s already put himself into the fans’ thoughts as well so he’s doing his part.”
It’s probably no surprise, therefore, that after his first appearance against Salford, he’s earned plaudits from supporters.
They praised how he didn’t look out of his depth whilst his ability to play with both feet was also picked up on.
For McCalmont this is just the start, but it’s certainly a very promising beginning for the youngster who could well be utilised in defensive midfield if required.
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