The Leeds midfielder clearly left a mark on the talkSPORT host, who watched the Championship side’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal on Monday night.
Reiss Nelson hit the only goal of the game as the Gunners took advantage of profligate finishing from Leeds to secure their place in fourth round.
A decade on from a memorable FA Cup shock at rivals Manchester United, Leeds looked set to once again ruffle the feathers of the established order, only to fall agonisingly short after a fine display in front of a vast away following at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, taking charge of just his fourth match, must have displayed the half-time attributes of someone like his opposite number Marcelo Bielsa – whose first foray into management came when his counterpart was just eight years old – as Arsenal were a different prospect after a dismal first-half.
Leeds wasted a glut of chances to take the lead and make it a jittery night for Arteta and the home fans, Patrick Bamford coming closest when he rattled the frame of the goal.
In particular, Phillips shone in midfield as he dictated the tempo to suit the second tier side and Durham heaped praise on the 24-year-old on Drivetime.
“In terms of midfield, there was a midfielder for Leeds who outshone everybody,” Durham said.
“It’s the player Granit Xhaka probably dreams of being.”
“I think he could play for England as well,” Durham added. “I don’t think there is any doubt.
“And if he had been in the Premier League this season, I think he would be in the England squad!”
The Drivetime host was joined in the studio by Danny Murphy, the former Liverpool midfielder nurtured in the famous Crewe Alexandra academy.
Having first noticed Phillips around 18 months ago, Murphy admitted it was the movement and understanding of the game which set him apart.
And, ultimately, means he is likely to be playing in the Premier League irrespective of Leeds’ promotion push.
Murphy said: “When the ball is getting knocked about between the back four and the keeper, that holding role is really, really important.