OPINION
Ezgjan Alioski should be most concerned by Marcelo Bielsa’s January transfer plan.
According to Football Insider, Leeds United are lining up a January swoop for Swansea City winger Daniel James after Marcelo Bielsa gave the green light to the pursuit.
It is said that the Argentine has made a new winger one of his main priorities when the transfer window reopens in six weeks’ time and has set his sights on the 21-year-old, who’s been in excellent form for the Swans.
No player is more affected by this at Leeds than Alioski, given that James is a winger and right-sided star Pablo Hernandez is untouchable on the other flank.
The Macedonia international, 26, has been an ever-present in this Championship campaign, starting all 17 matches in Leeds impressive climb to third in the division heading into the international break.
Given some fairly woolly performances over the last month or two, it is hard to see Alioski’s first choice status remaining for too much longer.
Bielsa is loyal to his players and has only tended to make changes to the starting XI when injuries dictate. He is not one for swinging the axe or rotating.
But the suggestion is that, behind the scenes, the Leeds hierarchy and their manager are not wholly convinced by the contributions from the wide attacking positions.
It is the left flank where fans have been particularly critical of the output, with Alioski scoring just three times and supplying three others from his 17 league starts.
Supporters appreciate Alioski’s work ethic and commitment, his ability to score the odd wonder goal as well as his mobility and vision.
But his mixed end product and propensity for getting caught off side mean there are increasingly regular calls for him to be demoted on social media.
Alioski faces a battle to save his United career if Bielsa’s January plans come to fruition.