Stuart Dallas’ performance against Leicester City might not have been enough to halt a clinical away victory, but it was further proof that he can more than hold his own in the top flight.
A catalogue of errors in the first half gifted the Foxes a 2-0 lead going into half time, and once Leeds got back into their mojo after the restart, Dallas was the main man. Despite being deployed as a full-back, the Northern Ireland international has become one of the first names on the team sheet, proving to be a huge influence at both ends of the pitch.
As the Whites grew into the second half and piled the pressure on the Foxes, it was Dallas’ contribution that sparked Leeds into life. A looped cross from a short corner went all the way in and was Dallas’ first Premier League goal of his career, but his work on the left side was much more than just notching a fortunate goal.
Playing on the underlap, Dallas managed to total up passing accuracy of 87.5% down the left-hand side and while he received a booking for a reckless tackle on Marc Albrighton, his energy on that side was an epitome of what Leeds needed in that second half if they were to get a result.
Does Shackleton deserve more game time?
Yes
No
Bielsa’s system allows for full-backs to be a fluid part of the attack and Dallas’ experience as a winger has stood him in very good stead under his stewardship. It won’t be the last time we see Dallas contributing with a goal in the Premier League and he’ll be brimming with confidence after that effort.
He can certainly hold his head high despite a night to forget at Elland Road for the side in general.