Leeds need to break pattern to keep Jamie Shackleton

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Leeds United’s academy has produced some special talents over recent years, but unfortunately the pattern has seen most of them exit Elland Road to go in search of top-flight football.

With the Whites stranded in the Championship, it’s been hard for the Yorkshire club to keep hold of their best assets.

Many believe that manager Marcelo Bielsa is the man to finally achieve promotion this season at Elland Road and it would certainly make keeping their top players easier.

Bailey-Peacock-Farrell, Ronaldo Vieira, Lewis Cook and Jack Clarke are all young players that have been sold by Leeds in recent years, with the latter returning this campaign on a loan from Tottenham.

Kalvin Phillips is an exception to the pattern that has grown into a key first teamer after breaking into the senior squad, but there has always been speculation about his future.

The latest Leeds prodigy making a name for himself is Jamie Shackleton and it’s vital that he’s not allowed to go down the same path of leaving.

Shackleton is a rising star that looks like he could be a long-term answer in the midfield for Leeds and they should tie down his future.

The 20-year-old is a box-to-box central midfielder that adds some much energy to Bielsa’s XI when he plays and has not struggled making the step up to Championship level.

He can add an attacking edge when he drives forward and there is a great balance in the centre of the park when he starts.

Leeds don’t have the best of records when it comes to keeping hold of their players, but Shackleton is one that should only improve and be kept central to the team’s plans.