Dominic Matteo has told LUTV that Jamie Shackleton has been “outstanding” this season and even said he was one of our two best players this season alongside Ethan Ampadu – prior to the win over Millwall.
Shackleton, 23, returned from an indifferent loan at Millwall and might have been considering a move to a new side. The Athletic said that Rangers and QPR were interested in the versatile academy product.
But now, he looks like he will remain and could even sign a new deal. That is having impressive in his six outings this season. On Sunday, he was an unused sub but the chances are he comes in on Wednesday.
Ex-Leeds defender Matteo was full of praise for Shackleton ahead of Sunday’s win over Millwall – saying he has been outstanding and praising him for not kicking up a fuss at being used in numerous positions.
“I think Jamie Shackleton has been outstanding. Having to play in different positions, week in, week out. I’ve been there myself as a player, it is hard to do. He’s not moaned or complained, he’s got on with it.
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“To be honest, him and Ampadu have probably been our best two players this season so far. So yeah, all credit to him [Shackleton],” Matteo told LUTV, ahead of Sunday’s 3-0 win over Millwall at The Den.
Matteo: Shackleton has been outstanding for Leeds this season
Shackleton has been like a new signing. With Stuart Dallas still out, having Shackleton available and offering the quality he has done in the positions he has played has been a massive plus. Saved money.
We have not have to bring in a left-back because he can do a job there. He has saved the need for a new midfielder beyond Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara. He can play on the right side, too.
Shackleton is the kind of player you need in the team and while he did not play at Millwall, he will surely feature against Hull. He deserves a new deal, even if it is only a year or two extension on his contract.