Michael Bridges wowed by ‘amazing’ Jamie Shackleton for Leeds United against Sheffield Wednesday
Jamie Shackleton had an “amazing game” for Leeds United and gives the side a “whole new dynamic”, according to Michael Bridges.
The LUFC TV pundit was highly impressed with the stand-in left-back at half-time of the live coverage Saturday (2 September) as he praised his dynamism down the left for “being involved in absolutely everything” in the goalless draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
With Sam Byram out injured on top of Junior Firpo, and Cody Drameh now a Birmingham City player, converted midfielder Shackleton started at the Whites’ problem full-back position and acquitted himself well.
Bridges told Emma Louise Jones (3.53pm): “Shackleton I feel has had an amazing game… He’s been involved in absolutely everything and I think he’s given us a whole new dynamic.”
Impressive
Shackleton was arguably even better after the break than he had been in the first half as he combined well with Willy Gnonto down the flank.
But it wasn’t enough to take three points from a game where they were definitely on offer against an Owls side that was second best despite some late threat.
Given the visitors didn’t look to do much of anything going forward for most of the first hour it allowed Shackleton to showcase his own attacking ability without being tested too much in defence.
Leeds United deciding to once again forgo signing a specialist left-back on deadline day despite Firpo’s struggles for form and fitness will have come as a significant disappointment to the fans.
While Byram has stepped in and performed strongly the natural right-back has a poor injury record of his own and is now currently unavailable too.
Few had Shackleton down as being a major factor at the start of the summer after spending last season on loan at Millwall alongside Charlie Cresswell.
But, aided by injuries and numerous exits, he has forced his way into Daniel Farke’s thinking and is taking his opportunity in defence currently.
That will soften the blow of missing out on Luke Thomas for now, but against stronger sides than Wednesday it could prove to be an issue if Firpo and Byram are out again.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have secured a late deal for a “player who lit up the Championship”.