Marcelo Bielsa has been speaking to the media ahead of Leeds’ clash with Leicester on Monday evening, and Jamie Shackleton’s name came up.
When asked about the academy graduate, Leeds Live quote the Argentine as saying: ‘In the case of Shackleton, he’s played in the first team before and every time he has played, he has played with personality and done a good job.’
The 21-year-old has only made two substitute appearances so far this season in the Premier League, playing nine minutes at Anfield and 69 minutes against Aston Villa last time out, and to good effect.
After Bielsa tactically decided to withdraw Pascal Struijk for Shackleton early in the first-half, the Leeds No.46 thrived.
WhoScored shows he made one tackle and two interceptions in the centre of the field, while also recording one key pass and winning one freekick.
Shackleton also completed one cross and finished the evening with a passing accuracy of 84% – he absolutely did not look overawed by his first significant chunk of Premier League action.
It is clear that Bielsa likes the man who earns £1,500-a-week (Spotrac), and also trusts him enough to change the tactical outlook of a match.
When Struijk was withdrawn in the 21st minute, he was not injured.
Bielsa wanted to change the gameplan, and he felt that he could trust Shackleton to come on and ignite a shift in tactics.
Seeing as Leeds scored all three of their goals after his introduction, it’s safe to say that the youngster carried out his duties efficiently.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
