Lewie Coyle’s newfound versatility might have saved his Leeds United career

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For many, the writing appears to be on the wall for some of the Leeds United loanees this season. Marcelo Bielsa has a thin squad as it is, so to not be involved suggests that a future at Elland Road is unlikely.

For Lewie Coyle that might look even more relevant.

The talented right-back has spent the season at Fleetwood Town in League One. The 23-year-old has been in fine form for the Cod Army. However, right-back is an area where Leeds are well-stocked. Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton are currently options in that position. Meanwhile, Stuart Dallas and Gaetano Berardi also make it a position where Leeds do not need another option.

However, Coyle has not done his chances any harm this season by demonstrating a versatility to his game that Bielsa will appreciate.

As well as right-back, Coyle has operated from the left. Recently, he has even been used as an auxiliary central midfielder by Joey Barton.

With the injury record of Berardi and Dallas this season, Coyle could be a more trusted operator for Leeds going forward. Fleetwood boss Barton adding extra strings to the bow of this Leeds talent might have given him an edge over several other fringe players at Leeds and even some considered to be first-teamers at the moment. 

Of all the first-team players out on loan, Coyle looks the most likely to have improved his chances of a future at Elland Road.