Jamie Shackleton weighs the advantages and drawbacks of imitating his ‘unbelievable’ Leeds United teammate.

This season, Leeds United’s Jamie Shackleton has demonstrated his versatility by playing in a variety of roles

Jamie Shackleton of Leeds United
In football, versatility is often regarded as both a blessing and a disadvantage. While a player who can fill in across the pitch can be invaluable to a manager, it can come at a cost to the player, who may struggle to secure a steady place in a stable position.

Leeds United have a rich tradition of utility players, with Paul Madeley earning the nickname ‘Play Anywhere Paul’ during his time with Don Revie, while Stuart Dallas is a more recent example of a player who has put in a shift wherever he has been called upon.

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Local lad Shackleton has confessed that, while his adaptability has its drawbacks, he will do everything he can for his hometown team.

“It can be a bit of a hindrance, but it’s also an advantage being able to do it,” he said on the Leeds United Podcast. “It brings opportunities in different places that other people may not be able to get, but it can also have its drawbacks, rather than just being settled in one ideal position.”

“At the same time, if I’m asked to play somewhere and someone tells me to go do a job there, I’m going to do my best.” Just do what I’m told! Just give it everything I’ve got, whether I’m thrown in between the sticks or not.

Shackleton also has the benefit of having seen Dallas put forth some outstanding performances across the board in recent seasons.

“I used to watch Stu every week and see him play all over the park, in different positions, and do an incredible job in all of them.” I’m currently doing the same thing, being used in a variety of situations.

“Like him, I’m just trying to give it my all to make sure the job gets done well in that role.”