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Jamie Shackleton has to seize potential Leeds chance in midfield
Leeds United’s Jamie Shackleton could well up having an opportunity in his preferred midfield role away to Middlesbrough on Saturday in the Championship.
The 19-year-old is a promising talent that has come through the academy and has been used to help plug gaps in the senior squad so far this season.
He’s been involved in 17 first-team appearances so far under Marcelo Bielsa, but the majority have been cameos off the bench and he’s been a fringe fiigure.
Shackleton has commonly been used as a make-shift right-back during the season to cover Luke Ayling, but supporters haven’t seen too much of him in his best position.
That could change at the weekend in a pivotal Championship fixture, as he’s in contention to play in the central midfield role.
Bielsa has confirmed in his press conference that Shackleton will replace regular Mateusz Klich in the starting XI if he can’t get over an injury problem, as reported by
Shackleton would surely love to get a start in midfield and he can’t afford to waste it if it happens.
The teenager is an all-action warrior that has stepped up to senior level well and adapted quickly, which is why the weekend could be another major step forward in his development.
He should have the capabilities to be a like-for-like replacement for Klich with his similar work-rate and endeavour, but will need to prove his quality on the ball too.
Leeds lost their position at the top of the Championship table after defeat to Norwich in the last game, but will be looking to bounce back against play-off hopeful Boro and Shackleton could do himself in the manager’s good books if he impresses.