Conor Shaughnessy has been a revelation for Leeds United this season.
Leeds United’s strong start to the season has been undermined in recent weeks by disappointing away losses.
Questions have been asked whether they club have the right type of midfield player, with an ‘enforcer’ type lacking.
But the solution to the problem could be at hand already, thanks to one of their breakthrough stars.
Manager Thomas Christiansen has recently promoted Conor Shaughnessy to the first team, starting the youngster in central defence.
He has played well and earned a new contract, but Leeds may want to consider playing the Republic of Ireland under-21 international in midfield.
Shaughnessy began his career in midfield, and has only recently switched to playing at centre-back.
He has done well there and Leeds could be reluctant to change him, but it might also be a good idea to test Shaughnessy out in a role sitting in front of the back four, putting his defensive attributes to good use.
If Leeds can find a defensive midfielder to operate successfully, it will allow their attacking players to flourish with greater success, particularly away from home.
If injuries at centre-back clear up and Shaughnessy is no longer needed to start there, giving him an opportunity as a defensive midfielder could turn out to be the answer they are looking for, and save them money in the January transfer window.
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