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Leeds United left-back Ezgjan Alioski produced one of his finest performances of the season last time out against West Brom at Elland Road. The 27-year-old contributed a relentless, aggressive and determined display, and was rewarded for his efforts with a late goal.
Marcelo Bielsa will certainly be delighted by what he saw from the Macedonian. Alioski’s stamina, commitment and pressing ability were so good in fact that former Leeds and England defender Danny Mills has compared the Whites man with a Premier League star.
What he said
Speaking on the LS11 podcast, as quoted by HITC, Mills said of Alioski’s defensive contribution: “I think the way that Leeds play, on the front foot, especially at Elland Road, you can get away with it to a certain extent. If you get promoted, I’d be a little concerned with him in that position. Defensively, you probably need a bit more nous to deal with higher quality players week-in, week-out.”
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Mills continued, comparing Alioski’s situation with that of versatile veteran James Milner at Liverpool: “I think he’s done a great job at the moment. I think it has a shelf-life, a little bit like James Milner at Liverpool. He did brilliantly at left-back for a while, but it’s not really his position.”
Defending as required
Whilst Mills is congratulating Alioski on his efforts so far, he is warning Bielsa that playing the 25-cap Macedonia international at full-back will not be a long-term solution.
Alioski’s original position is in a more advanced role, and he certainly makes for an extremely attack-minded left-back. However, he should be given credit for only attacking when he can get away with it. He rarely commits beyond what he can recover should Leeds lose the ball. Fortunately, Alioski can recover his defensive position very quickly due to his pace and tireless engine.
It seems harsh from Mills to decide that Alioski couldn’t cope defensively at a higher level. All the Macedonian has demonstrated so far is that he is capable of defending just as much as he needs to, and that this doesn’t impede his ability to contribute in the final third.