Leeds fans react as Marcelo Bielsa comments on Niall Huggins

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Fulham press conference – as per Leeds Live – that Niall Huggins is capable of playing in defence, midfield and attack – prompting plenty of Leeds fans to compare the youngster with Stuart Dallas.

Huggins, 20, has emerged from the Under-23 side as one of the club’s most-exciting prospects this season and has even made his debut for the club’s senior side – coming on as a substitute during a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in London.

Called up by Wales Under-21’s for March’s international fixtures, Huggins has appeared on the bench in seven other Premier League fixtures – and has clocked up 15 appearances for Mark Jackson’s Under-23 side this term.

For those Leeds fans that keep up to date with the club’s promotion-chasing second string, Huggins started out as an attacker, but has since played in defence and in midfield this season. His versatility has been noted by Bielsa.

“He can play as a full-back on the left or right, or as a midfielder accompanying a more defensive midfielder,” Bielsa said. “He can play with ease on both sides, left or right. Originally he was a winger/offensive midfielder.

“This gives him more resources in possession and he can play in all three heights of the pitch. Apart from that he has a physical performance above the norm,” Bielsa continued, ahead of Friday’s trip to London to face Fulham.

Certainly, Huggins – who is represented by Ian Harte – has a big future ahead of him. Where his natural position is remains to be seen but having come on at left-back against Arsenal, full-back might be his initial port of call.

Leeds fans reacted to Bielsa’s comments on Twitter and many believe the Welshman resembles the kind of versatility that 29-year-old star Dallas has shown over the past three seasons under the guidance of the Argentine.

https://twitter.com/DoctorT1992/status/1372184579570855936

https://twitter.com/SJB_upnorth/status/1372193082058375177

https://twitter.com/LUFC_Arizona/status/1372183100411682817

https://twitter.com/ellandduck/status/1372182436369600513

https://twitter.com/mike_dibble/status/1372207143089274883