Leeds should consider Jamie Shackleton more often

Though, their loss to Everton has set Marcelo Bielsa’s men back a bit.

On the chalkboard

Much of Leeds’ inconsistent form in recent months can be attributed to injury problems. Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente have all had spells on the sidelines.

As a result, Bielsa has had to patch various parts of his squad together. It’s a period that’s seen Luke Ayling and Kalvin Phillips play at centre-back while Pascal Struijk has also deputised in defensive midfield.

The Dutchman bizarrely played in a more forward role than Phillips when Leeds lost to Crawley in the FA Cup before featuring in the same role during the defeat to Brighton.

In both games, he disappointed.

Struijk was dragged off at half time versus Crawley having failed to win a single ground duel. Considering that’s a fundamental aspect of playing in holding midfield, it didn’t bode well.

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Though, a game later he was also somewhat of a passenger. The defender lost possession of the ball 13 times and completed 80% of his passes – a tally that was down 8% from his season average at the time.

Consequently, the youngster was given fierce criticism: “I think Struijk looks out of place, playing Kalvin’s role. I’ve got to say I don’t think there’s anyone that can play Kalvin’s role in the team which is worrying for me. When he’s out we don’t seem to have that flow in our game going forward and the discipline in the defensive role,” Noel Whelan told Football Insider a few weeks ago.

The solution

Replacing Phillips’ influence on this Leeds squad is an incredibly hard job. Therefore, whoever plays in his role when he’s absent is likely to underperform in comparison.

Though, a better suitor in the middle of the park than Struijk would surely be Jamie Shackleton. The 21-year-old has started just once in the top-flight this term but can bring plenty of qualities to the table that Bielsa loves.

For starters, Shackleton is versatile. He has played at right-back, right-wing and in central midfield for the Whites this term.

The youngster is a defensive midfielder by trade and has already caught the eye in the last few months. He replaced Struijk in midfield after just 21 minutes when the Whites beat Aston Villa 3-0 back in October.

Definitely

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No way

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He won 66% of his defensive duels and was assured in possession, completing 84% of his passes. At full-time, Shackleton earned the following review from Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross:

“The best we have seen from Shackleton in months. Settled in so quickly and linked up the play between midfield and attack beautifully. So important for his confidence and visualising himself in this team going forward. Tireless running and helped Klich win that midfield battle with McGinn and Barkley.”

It’s clear that the young Leeds prodigy is more mobile than Struijk and that’s one of the primary reasons he should be unleashed ahead of his fellow academy graduate in midfield.

Shackleton is evidently adored by Bielsa too. The Argentine waxed lyrical about his qualities following a brief cameo in the 5-0 win over West Brom.

“Good organisation, energetic, he’s quick, he can surprise opponents, plays in a position which has many varieties as a box-to-box midfielder.”

Those are certainly appealing traits for a midfielder and if Bielsa can call upon him more regularly, it will give the manager a chance to finally end the torrid experiment of Struijk in midfield.

AND in other news, Leeds could have their new Sam Byram in rarely-seen 19 y/o who’s a “box of tricks”…