Conor Shaughnessy got a run-out in Leeds United’s win on Saturday.
Leeds United bounced back from Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat at Wolves with a comfortable 2-0 win away to Barnsley at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon.
First-half goals from summer signings Samu Saiz and Egzjan Alioski helped Leeds into a commanding lead at the break and Thomas Christiansen’s side saw out the victory from there.
The United boss made the surprising decision to replace Eunan O’Kane with Conor Shaughnessy early in the second half and the 21-year-old Irishman looked adept in midfield.
Shaughnessy, who joined from Reading last September, arrived at Leeds as a holding midfielder initially but all of his games this season have come in the middle of central defence.
But he certainly looked comfortable in his natural position, his 6’4 frame adding some much-needed steal to the Whites’ midfield, and fans of the Elland Road liked the look of him in that role.
It remains to be seen whether Shaughnessy gets further chances in midfield.
The fact that Ronaldo Vieira was suspended is probably the reason why Christiansen played him there and with Vieira back next week, the need for Shaughnessy is reduced a little.
Still, he proved his versatility and reinforced what Leeds fans already know about him – he has a big future with the club.
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