Former Newcastle striker Keith Gillespie has exclusively told This is Futbol that Stuart Dallas is the first name on Marcelo Biesla’s Leeds United team sheet.
The versatile Northern Ireland international has played all-but nine minutes in the Premier League for the Whites this season, proving a vital cog in Bielsa’s machine.
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Whilst Dallas is comfortable in out-wide and in midfield, he’s played the majority of this season at full-back, although he’s still managed five goals, making him Leeds’ fourth top goalscorer in the league, whilst also adding two assists.
Dallas, who reportedly earns £8,000-a-week, has also been played in centre midfield, a more deeper midfield role and also out on the right.
And Gillespie believes that his international compatriot’s versatility makes him one of Bielsa’s most important players at present.
He told This is Futbol:
“I think he’s probably first name on the team-sheet. You sort of look at where he plays and he can be in midfield, and then Bielsa will want to change things and bring a midfielder off, and he’ll end up bringing the left-back off and put Stuart Dallas in at left-back because he knows how important he is. He’s got so much energy.”
Whilst the likes of Patrick Bamford and Raphinha has often grabbed the headlines for Leeds this season, Dallas has been equally as important and given his ability to play in several positions, he has been an unsung hero for Bielsa’s team.