'The best' - Ex-Leeds man makes exciting Kalvin Phillips claim as Sheffield United target progress
Sheffield United are determined to try and get a consistent tune out of Manchester City loanee Kalvin Phillips.
Former Leeds United all-rounder Stuart Dallas believes Sheffield United loanee Kalvin Phillips has the credentials to establish himself as the best midfielder in the Championship, tipping boss Chris Wilder to get the very best out of him.
After his loan spell at Bramall Lane in the second half of last season was limited to just three appearances because of a knee injury, the Manchester City midfielder returned to S2 in August, signing on loan for the duration of the season.
Despite barely featuring during his time in South Yorkshire last term, Phillips, 30, had a positive influence on his teammates and impressed United’s coaching staff, not least boss Wilder, who was keen to bring him back to Bramall Lane for a second stint at the club.
Phillips, who has just under two years remaining on his City contract, completed 90 minutes for only the second time in 2026 in United’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City before the international break, marking a significant moment in his search for full fitness. He also marked the occasion by scoring his first Blades goal.
Having completed 90 minutes for the first time since February last month, Dallas, who played 158 times alongside Phillips at Leeds, is tipping the United loanee to get back to his best under Wilder, insisting he can help the Blades overcome their indifferent start to the season.
“They’re going through a difficult patch at the minute but having Kalvin will be important for them, his passing ability and his ability to break up play is huge,” Dallas told The Yorkshire Post.
“Patrick Bamford is there too and for me when he’s fit, he’s the best striker in the Championship. It’s important for Chris Wilder that he gets both of them firing because a fully fit Kalvin Phillips is also the best midfielder in the Championship.
“It’s all about that fitness now for him and showing what he’s all about, showing why he got that move to Manchester City and finding his love for the game again. It’s easy to get frustrated in his position because of lack of game time in recent years.
“You look back at him starring for England and he must be wanting to get back to that level. He’s at a fantastic football club to do that and I wish him well.”
The former Northern Ireland international added: “Kalvin’s ability is not doubted, he just hasn’t shown it enough in the last number of years for whatever reason. Loan moves haven’t worked out for him and injuries have held hm back a bit.
“He’ll look back at that period of his career and wish he’d played more, but he’ll have learnt a lot about himself.
“On his day he should be playing Premier League football, but he’s taken a chance by going to Sheffield United to prove himself again and I believe Chris Wilder will get the best out of him. He’s a really good manager.”