Leeds United ace Jamie Shackleton makes ‘unbelievable’ Stuart Dallas admission
Jamie Shackleton wants to emulate the “unbelievable” job teammate Stuart Dallas has done during his time at Leeds United by proving his worth in a variety of positions.
After spending the season on loan in the Championship with Millwall last year, 23-year-old Shackleton has played his way into Daniel Farke’s first-team plans and has impressed so far this season.
Due to various issues, gaps have needed filling throughout the squad, and that is where Shackleton has stepped up. Having come through the club’s academy as a central midfielder, he was used as a right-back by Marco Bielsa and is now being utilised as a left-back.
While it can be frustrating to not have a regular position locked down, Shackleton has ensured it is all about putting the club first and has drawn on inspiration from Dallas’ contributions to the Whites over the years.
“I always used to watch Stu (Stuart Dallas) and watch him each week play all over the park, play different positions and every time do an unbelievable job in all of them. At the minute I’m kind of doing the same thing, being played in a few different positions,” Shackleton told the Leeds United Podcast, via the club’s official YouTube channel (8 September).
“Like him, I’m just trying to give everything to ensure that a job’s done well in that role. It brings opportunities in different places that other people might not be able to get, but at the same time, it can have its downfall, rather than just being settled in one position which is ideal.”
Admired
Supporters at Elland Road have long loved a player who can fill in across the pitch and help the team wherever needed over the years. The club have had some wonderful utility players throughout their time, such as Paul Madeley, who was named ‘Play Anywhere Paul’ as he featured in practically every position for Don Revie, and Stuart Dallas, whom Shackleton makes reference to, who is a more recent example of a player doing his all for the club.
If Shackleton can emulate either of these two previous stars’ contributions, he won’t be doing his reputation with the Leeds United faithful any harm at all. It is clear that Farke has great confidence in him, and he is so far repaying that confidence with some strong performances.
After so many players left West Yorkshire this summer, 18 to be exact, fans will just be happy to see someone who is putting the club before himself, a trait which is so rare in modern football.
In other Leeds United news, the club’s CEO has made a “naive” transfer admission.