This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan has labelled his concerns with Gjanni Alioski, suggesting he is worrying Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
What’s he said?
Alioski was lumped off at half time last Saturday, perhaps in rather bizarre circumstances considering Leeds were switching to a formation that accommodated a wing-back, but he was substituted nonetheless.
Leeds were 1-0 down at the time as they swapped from a 4-1-4-1 to a 3-5-2 but that didn’t work either as they still lost the game.
Alioski has thrown in some mixed displays this term, scoring against Stoke but failing to have an influence on proceedings against Charlton.
Concerns over his performances are understandable, therefore, but Whelan thinks the North Macedonia international’s displays will be a worry for the manager too.
He told Football Insider:
“Bielsa is worried about him in defensive situations. He should be, as Barry Douglas is a better defender and a proven left-back.
“Bielsa may be thinking the West Brom game is the ideal time for a change, with the matches coming thick and fast.
“We know Bielsa doesn’t like to rotate or make changes, but it’s an obvious decision to make.”
Left-back dilemma for Leeds
Heading into the new season there would have been questions surrounding who would actually play on the left.
Stuart Dallas ended last term incredibly well with two goals against Derby in the playoffs from that role but he has since moved over to the right in the absence of Luke Ayling.
Barry Douglas missed large parts of last season with an injury and started 2019/20 on the left side of defence but Alioski has since dislodged him.
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He was impressive to start off with and even created three chances of note against Brentford.
However, the 27-year-old’s form has begun to deteriorate.
Alioski only managed to complete 72% of his passes against Charlton, his worst tally when starting a game this campaign. The left-sided man has also made just one tackle and one interception in his last two outings, via WhoScored.
Perhaps rotating the pair during a midweek clash is the way forward.
