Soccer Football - Premier League - Liverpool v Leeds United - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - February 23, 2022 Leeds United's Jamie Shackleton in action with Liverpool's Luis Diaz REUTERS/Peter Powell EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
Leeds United correspondent Adam Pope has been left thrilled by the news that Jamie Shackleton started for the U23s in their 1-1 draw away at Arsenal.
The Lowdown: Injury return
Shackleton played the full 90 minutes in what was his first game for the U23s since March, when he picked up an injury, while he has not featured for the senior side since February (Transfermarkt).
He is yet to play under Jesse Marsch, but given the injuries that they have to some key members of the squad, Shackleton may well get a call-up to the first team very soon if he can prove his form and fitness.
The Latest: Pope reacts
Taking to Twitter, Pope gave his reaction to the news that Shackleton started, claiming that it was ‘great to see’, in what he claimed was a ‘big’ match for the U23s given their position in the league table:
“Great to see Jamie Shackleton involved again in what is a big game for the U23s.”
The Verdict: Boost
It certainly is a boost to have Shackleton out on the pitch again, albeit for the U23s.
Marsch has not been able to use him yet, and the American no doubt will want to try him out in the first team to see how he does.
The 22-year-old ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average tackles, blocks and dribbles per game in the Premier League, while he also boasts the highest pass success rate out of any Whites played to have made five or more appearances (WhoScored).
Nonetheless, it is good to have him back as another handy squad option from now until the end of the campaign.
In other news, find out what ‘phenomenal’ LUFC injury update has wowed this injury expert here!
About the Author
