Marcelo Bielsa: Jamie Shackleton has increased his importance in Leeds United squad
Leeds United midfielder Jamie Shackleton is fully fit and available for selection against Manchester United, and Marcelo Bielsa is impressed with his development.
The 21-year-old suffered a concussion in the pre-season defeat at Ajax, but has overcome the problem in time for the campaign kick-off.
Whites boss Bielsa has admitted his growth over the last 12 months has pleased him, saying he has continued to develop into a more important player in the squad.
“Shackleton has recovered, he’s well and he’s available,” Bielsa said during his press conference ahead of the trip to Old Trafford (via Y.E.P)
“Shackleton can play as a full-back or an interior midfielder and a year on he increases his hierarchy in the group.”
Time to shine?
Shackleton started three Premier League games for Leeds last term, coming off the bench 10 times, and he had to play some games for the under-23s to keep his development going.
The versatile youngster has definitely impressed Bielsa which is no easy feat, and the fact that the Argentine says his hierarchy in the group has increased means we should see more of him on the pitch this season.
He should be providing cover for Luke Ayling at right-back as usual this season and may also see action in the middle of the park.
Shackleton is at the age where he needs to start playing regularly, and we are keen to see how Bielsa goes about his development this season.
While the Leeds academy graduate is not likely to break into the starting XI this season, he is getting closer to establishing himself as a regular and could be the perfect long-term successor to Ayling.
In other Leeds United news, Jim White shares big Whites prediction ahead of 2021/22 campaign.