OPINION
Every club all over the world would love to get their hands on a promising youngster seemingly destined for the top and at Leeds United they appear to think they have such a talent on their books.
The Whites have enjoyed 18 months of young prospects breaking through their academy ranks and into the first team, partly through the quality possess and partly through necessity caused by senior injuries, with the likes of Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Jack Clarke making a name for themselves in the Championship.
With the season now over, one of the highlights for many at Elland Road would have been Jamie Shackleton’s emergence, the midfielder handed a right back role by manager Marcelo Bielsa and thriving in his duties.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that the 19-year-old has always been highly thought of at Leeds, even when playing at under-16 level, and that his first team opportunity was only a matter of time – his achievements earning him a place in England’s under-20 squad for the Toulon Tournament.
However, this could prove to be a double edged sword for the Whites, the same report claiming that scouts from across the globe will be swarming such a prestigious youth tournament looking for the next breakthrough star and Leeds have got to be sweating over Shackleton.
He has gone under the radar somewhat, not unsurprising for a player in the defensive half of the pitch, and with minutes here and there, he does not seem to have been picked up on the radar of many – good news for Bielsa.
However, playing for England’s youth side is a different kettle of fish and if he struts his stuff in front of the scouts watching on, it will not be long until Leeds are fielding calls for his services.
Shackleton looks destined for bigger and brighter things, with a footballing talent matched by his perseverance and tenacious attitude – could his Young Lions’ call up earn him suitors sooner than Leeds would have liked?