Leeds United manager Paul Heckingbottom has revealed that Ezgjan Alioski is often too hard on himself following his recent poor run of form.
The 26-year-old has seen his standards slip in the past couple of months and has found himself on the bench for the last two consecutive league games.
However, the right-winger made a great impact as a substitute on Wednesday night as he scored his first goal since November in the 2-2 draw away to Derby County.
Alioski appeared to have won the league clash in for the visitors when he finished off a counter attacking move, with a diving header after his initial shot was blocked.
However, Derby grabbed a last-minute goal to earn a point and it means Heckingbottom’s side are still eight points off the pace for the play-offs.
Heckingbottom explained after the match that Alioski is his own biggest critic and was pleased he got on the scoresheet, as cited by Leeds Live.
“Pleased for him (Alioski). Another player who’s just so genuine. Wants to play every minute of every game. Wants to give you everything. And probably beats himself up a bit, put some pressure on himself and judges himself too harshly.”
OPINION
Alioski’s form has certainly dropped off considerably recently after he made a brilliant start to life at Elland Road earlier in the season. However, a couple of games off for perspective may have done him the world of good and he can now focus on trying to force his way back into the starting XI. He has an incredible understanding with teammate Samuel Saiz and the playmaker brings out the best in his game. Alioski has now been directly involved in 11 goals this season for the Whites and would have to produce something similar in the remaining games to help a late play-off push. There is no doubt the wide man has the technical ability, but just needs to find some consistency and Heckingbottom could help with that.