Leeds United team news v Southampton: Jamie Shackleton faces axe for Luke Ayling
Jamie Shackleton may be unlikely to keep his spot in the Leeds United starting lineup against Southampton with Luke Ayling ready to return as first choice, according to Beren Cross.
As reported in Leeds Live (26 September), Cross notes how highly regarded the vice-captain is to Daniel Farke, who was left out of the starting XI in the Whites’ 3-0 victory over Watford on Saturday (23 September) due to fatigue.
Ayling had started all of Leeds’ Championship games this season and is considered an “immense factor” to Farke, meaning the youngster is likely to return to the bench after his start against the Hornets.
Experience
Shackleton gave an excellent performance at Elland Road against Watford, but Ayling’s experience and leadership qualities will always be a strong factor in Farke’s selection process.
Ayling has not had a perfect start to the season by any means, but amid Liam Cooper’s prolonged absence from the squad, he has played a significant role on the pitch as a Leeds veteran. The Whites have been playing with a very young side this season, so having Ayling’s experience has been vital – a factor that has not eluded Farke.
On Ayling, the German said, as quoted by Leeds Live: “Luke’s influence on the group is massive and you can’t overrate it because it’s so, so important. He’s obviously a good player, but also, his ability to lead in the dressing room, to give his experience, to make sure everyone is sharp and aware.”
Fans have not hidden their criticism of Ayling this season and may point to his poor performances in the Premier League last season as a key factor in their relegation, but his influence this season has been strong.
Shackleton would be disappointed to be dropped for the Southampton clash after playing well in a less-familiar right-back position. His value has not been overseen by the German boss, who has frequently exploited the 23-year-old’s versatility to deploy him as a right-back, left-back, right-midfielder and central midfielder in just six Championship games this season [Transfermarkt].
In the rough and tumble of the Championship, often experience trumps raw ability, but Shackleton certainly will have his role to play this season as Leeds look to maintain their excellent recent form.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will be looking to crank up the noise around a Championship manager’s looming dismissal.