Leeds coach suggests Bielsa asked for starlet to be tried in new role

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Mark Jackson has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Marcelo Bielsa was keen to see Jack Jenkins play at right-back as he explained the Leeds United starlet’s recent dabble with that position for the under-23s.

Jenkins started Monday’s clash with Everton in central midfield. The 20-year-old looks to have taken his game to another level this year, seemingly looking more physically-imposing.

Interestingly, he was moved after the break in York. Jenkins was used in the right-back position in what proved to be a goalless draw with the Toffees.

Jenkins was perhaps more of an anomaly amongst the Leeds squad previously. Unlike many of his teammates, he had spent the large majority of his career to date in one position. So it would have come as a surprise to some to see him moved onto the right of the defence.

But Jackson suggested after the contest that it was Bielsa who had wanted Jenkins used in that role.

“Players need to be multi-functional. We know that here. That’s just a change where the manager wanted to look at Jack in that position,” he told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“Sometimes it can be disruptive for the team but the boys cope really well with it. They’re really effective at adapting and adapting their mindset within the game, because it’s not easy to play one position and then switch to another one.”

Jack Jenkins following in footsteps of Jamie Shackleton at Leeds

Jenkins would not be the only central midfielder in the Leeds squad capable of playing at right-back. Stuart Dallas has played in both roles throughout his time under Bielsa.

But perhaps the most obvious parallels can be drawn with Jamie Shackleton. Shackleton came through as a central midfielder before Bielsa started using him further back almost immediately following his appointment.

Jenkins will likely have few complaints about the change. He made his first-team debut last season. And he will hope to feature more often in the coming months.

Becoming more versatile may boost those hopes – particularly if Bielsa is the one wanting him to try another role.