This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Leeds have received some great news this week as Jamie Shackleton and Liam Cooper returned from injury for Carlos Corberan’s U23 side.
Despite the fact that his injury concerns are now well behind him, this weekend doesn’t represent Shackleton’s opportunity to return to the team for one crucial reason.
Shackleton’s role
The youngster is a very versatile player as he can play as either a right-back or a central midfielder.
As per WhoScored, his main strength in the middle of the park is keeping hold of the ball, and that’s highlighted by his 86.4 per cent pass success rate.
Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
However, WhoScored also lists two weaknesses to his game, with those being aerial duels and tackling.
Those factors are something that may cost him his place in the team this weekend as Marcelo Bielsa’s preferred tactic will require more defensive work and physicality from his midfielder.
3-3-1-3
With QPR looking likely to play two up front this weekend, Marcelo Bielsa will probably opt to use his patented 3-3-1-3 formation.
We mastered the trick in the video below in 8 attempts… could you do better?
With Stuart Dallas most likely occupying the right-wing-back role, Shackleton’s only available option would be to play as the one central midfielder.
However, his lack of tackling ability and creativeness means that Mateusz Klich is simply the better option.
Indeed, the Pole averages more tackles, key passes and shots per game than the youngster, and with the midfield role in this tactic requiring a box to box player Klich is just the preferable choice.
There’s only been one game this season where the 20-year-old has made a successful tackle and that came at Oakwell. The 5 foot 6 midfielder made four in that match but hasn’t shown the same qualities since. Had he done so, he may have been able to get back in the team.
Leeds will undoubtedly be buoyed by the return of Shackleton, but this weekend isn’t the time to put him back into the starting XI.
