Leeds United were eager to fill a somewhat concerning gap in midfield during the summer transfer window, but fell short as interest in a handful of players never materialised.
The standout candidate in that regard was then-Bayern Munich man Michael Cuisance, whose reported failed medical scuppered a move before he went to France with Marseille. This left Marcelo Bielsa having to adapt and get more out of this squad.
Mateusz Klich is yet to seriously falter in the starting lineup but behind him is very little in the way of first-team depth, but prayers may have been answered during the Aston Villa win. Pascal Struijk’s uneasy performance handed a chance on a plate for Jamie Shackleton to stake a claim for a starting berth in the coming weeks and it’s an opportunity he seized with both hands.
With both Leeds and Villa playing on the front foot this season, pacey, counter-attacking play in the midfield was the core theme of the clash. It’s just what Shackleton brings to the table alongside Klich.
His 84% passing accuracy was par for the course throughout the Leeds squad in that game and making one key pass, he had a hand in Patrick Bamford’s brilliant third goal when linking up with Helder Costa on the right-hand side of the box.
Does Shackleton deserve more game time?
Yes
No
Kalvin Phillips’ absence is a huge blow, unsettling more than just his designated position, but the selection dilemma facing Bielsa with his midfield isn’t such a big issue now thanks to the presence of Shackleton in the Premier League. It would be naive to suggest he’s a readymade starter in the top flight at just 21 years of age but a performance of that ilk must be music to Bielsa’s ears when the injuries start to pile up.
It was a perfect summary of the system Leeds operate in under Bielsa, where the players are cogs in a well-oiled machine and the introduction of a new piece to the puzzle didn’t unsettle the fine balance and cause fuss. It’s not exactly as if Villa are pushovers, they’ve been on fire and Shackleton was unfazed.
Definitely one to watch at Elland Road if he gets the nod against Leicester City.