Noel Whelan has claimed that Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa loves working with Jamie Shackleton because of his attitude and desire.
The 19-year-old is one of the brightest young talents to come through the academy at Leeds and was able to establish himself in the first team at Elland Road last season.
The midfielder - who can also play at full-back - was an important player for Leeds last term, making 24 appearances in all competitions as the Whites just missed out on promotion.
The teenager is yet to feature for Leeds in the Championship this season, but made his first appearance of the new campaign in the 3-0 win at Salford City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
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Former Leeds striker Whelan has claimed that Shackleton is capable of playing in any position and that Bielsa loves working with him on the training pitch because of his attitude and desire.
“He’s got so much desire and energy that I love to see, he’s like a young kid in the playground with talent, intelligence and that desire to go forward and defend – he loves both sides of the game,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“You could put Shackleton anywhere on the field and I guarantee you he will not have a problem because he’s got a great attitude. He’s the sort of person that Bielsa and the coaching staff just love working with.”
The Verdict
Shackleton is one of the brightest young talents to come through the academy at Leeds and he could have a very big future ahead of him at Elland Road.
He was very impressive for Leeds last season and I'm expecting him to play another important role for the Whites in the Championship this term.
I think Whelan is right. Bielsa will love working with Shackleton because of the hunger and desire that he shows - on the training pitch and in matches.
His committed performances on the pitch have seen him become a fans' favourite at Elland Road too, and no doubt Leeds fans will be hoping to see him play another key role for the team this season.