Given Leeds’ problems heading into Saturday, it was no surprise Marcelo Bielsa picked Stuart Dallas at right-back. The presence of two debutants in the back five forced the Whites to cram as much experience into the remaining spots as possible.
Dallas is our current Andy Hughes. His versatility is so important – especially this season with injuries tearing right through the team.
Right-back is clearly not where he would feature in Leeds’ strongest lineup, but with Luke Ayling out until the new year, it seems likely that he will continue in that role while he is fit and not making mistakes with alarming regularity.
That, of course, is unfortunate for Jamie Shackleton. The 19-year-old has featured in the position this season, and actually performed well. His assist against Swansea highlighted how much potential the academy graduate possesses.
But if first-team chances remain limited in the coming weeks, Shackleton should consider asking for a January loan.
The teenager looks ready for regular game-time at senior level. He could go out and prove a point to Bielsa, ready for something of a fresh start in the summer.
Leeds have the depth to cope without Shackleton. Ayling will be back in January to take over from Dallas, and Robbie Gotts is impressing with the under-23s.
Gaetano Berardi could also come in if required despite thriving at centre-back.
Perhaps January is the perfect time for Bielsa to give Shackleton the chance to prove that Leeds have something special on their hands.