Throughout last season Marcelo Bielsa was at times hesitant to give Jamie Shackleton a starting role at Elland Road. The 19-year-old, at the club since the age of 6, is the latest in the line of the conveyer belt of talented youth teeming at Elland Road.
When Leeds United ran rampant at Elland Road in their 4-0 win against West Brom earlier in the season, it seemed the squad were content with the margin remaining at 3-0, up steps Jamie Shackleton. After only being on the pitch for a short time Shackleton showed a burst of pace and incredible vision to set up Alioski for United’s 4th.
This, however, was not the only moment of excellence that Shackleton delivered. Naturally a midfielder, Shackleton has shown versatility under Bielsa. He has not only played at Right back this season in a make shift injury hit defence, but also effortlessly produced an excellent performance in the attacking midfielder role and on the wing.
Shackleton has not only the vision and creativity to open up spaces and find key paces, but he possesses an intelligence which makes him appear well above his age.
With Leeds United gearing up for the 19/20 season, expect Shackleton to play a greater role. He now possesses the understanding of Championship football and under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, the England U20 international may very well have a point to prove. At just 19 years old this may only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the talents of Jamie Shackleton.
