Whelan: ‘Next Dallas’ with 98% pass completion in line for Leeds starting XI after Bielsa reveal
Noel Whelan has branded Leeds United star Jamie Shackleton a “dream player” for manager Marcelo Bielsa.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, compared the 21-year-old to club stalwart Stuart Dallas.
As quoted by Leeds Live in his pre-West Ham press conference (September 23rd), Bielsa said Shackleton “could achieve whatever he proposes to himself”.
He highlighted the youngster’s ability to play both in midfield and at full-back.
The England under-20 international played 90 minutes at right-back on Saturday as the Elland Road club fell to a narrow defeat against West Ham.
As per WhoScored, Shackleton scored the highest pass completion of any starter during the game (98%).
The 21-year-old also starred in defensive midfield during last week’s penalties win over Fulham in the League Cup.
Whelan believes it is this versatility and adaptability which means Bielsa will “love” working with him.
“He’s a dream player for a manager,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“He put himself in the reckoning with another great performance in the cup.
“He’s one of those that you love working with, his enthusiasm, his love and desire for the game. He works hard and he’s a winner.
“He plays the way Leeds United want him to. And he does a job – very much like Stuart Dallas – you can trust him anywhere you put him in the side.
“He knows the roles, he’s very intelligent. He’s got everything a manager would love in a player.“
Shackleton has made 69 Leeds appearances since making his first-team debut in August 2018.
He featured for 452 Premier League minutes last term as the Whites stormed to a ninth-place finish in their return to the top flight.
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