The injury gods are playing a funny game with Leeds United as when they get one of their players back from an injury; another one gets injured. Barry Douglas has recently played an hour of the game against Hull City u-23 side, but Luke Ayling is now set to be out for two months at least with a knee injury. Gaetano Berardi has already been ruled out for a while by Bielsa, and the club is undoubtedly lacking depth in the right back spot.
A fullback is one of the most important players in the Bielsa system as he relies heavily on them to stretch the play. Both of the full-backs bomb forward simultaneously when in possession. If the attack is coming down the right, the fullback from the opposite flank often tries to go in the box to increase the number of bodies while attacking and they also need to be wary of stopping counter attacks. Therefore without a proper fullback, the team is likely to struggle, and that is what has happened in the past month when Berardi and Barry Douglas have been unavailable.
Nevertheless, Bielsa will have to sort this situation out, and we list possible alternatives who can fill in the right-back role
Jamie Shackleton (Our Pick)
The youngster was thrown into action against Swansea City in the right-back role and did a decent job in a tough away game. His forward runs were threatening, and we believe the youngster is the best option in our opinion. However, Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t used him in the right-back spot even though the likes of Luke Ayling and Berardi missed some games due to suspension and injuries. Maybe the gaffer doesn’t trust him enough defensively, but this versatile 19-year-old sure has it in him to start as a right back.
Stuart Dallas (Most Likely Pick)
The versatile Northern Irishman seems like the likeliest option to start in this role against Wigan Athletic. Dallas’ major asset is his work rate, and he is naturally a winger, so one should expect him to be able to handle himself while going forward. However, he was found wanting on the defensive front against Blackburn Rovers, and we would look forward towards his performance against Wigan.
Jack Harrison (Wildcard)
With Pablo Hernandez back fit, Harrison hasn’t been able to get game time on the right flank. It’s clear that Bielsa would rather have an attack-minded fullback than a defensive minded one. Therefore, Harrison definitely could be in contention to start as a right back against Wigan. The Manchester City loanee is certainly hard working, although he sometimes lacks the cutting in the final third. The youngster can be a wildcard option to start as a right back in the coming months.
Notable mention: Robbie Gotts
The u-23 star has shown good form of late playing in the right-back role and Bielsa hasn’t been afraid of throwing youngsters into big games. However, we might see him coming off the bench to gain some experience before starting a full-fledged Championship game.
