A lot of Leeds United fans were stunned to see Ezgjan Alioski dropped to the bench after he scored a thunderous volley (1:10) in the Whites’ 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town.
However, Kalvin Phillips’ return from suspension meant that Ben White moved into the centre of defence and Luke Ayling went to right-back.
This left Bielsa with the choice of Stuart Dallas or Alioski, and the Argentine went for the Northern Irishman – which baffled some Leeds fans.
Should Alioski start Leeds' next match?
Yes, he is in brilliant form
No, keep him as an impact sub
? One change for #LUFC tonight! Kalvin Phillips returns to the Starting XI after suspension, replacing Gjanni Alioski
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 10, 2019
Harsh on alioski
— Joey ??????? (@lufcjoey) December 10, 2019
Very harsh on Alioski, but Phillips is back and I presume Bielsa will want to play 3-3-1-3 so understandable change.
— Adam Hulbert (@AdamHulbert) December 10, 2019
After his heroics last game ?
— Luke (@Iufcluke) December 10, 2019
Wow. Not a lover of Alioski but after Saturdays performance that is harsh
— Liam Moore (@LiamMoo19110227) December 10, 2019
Very harsh on Gjanni after Saturday but it’s gotta be done. Bring him on after an hour if needs be
— Joe (@joem167) December 10, 2019
Harsh on Alioski but sensible to get Phillips straight back in. We were all at sea in the 1st half on Sat. Back to players in their natural positions (almost)
— Jamie LUFC (@Jam13Simmo) December 10, 2019
What do we think?
Alioski can feel that he deserved to start, but ultimately Bielsa’s plan worked perfectly – as Dallas dealt with the threat of Jarrod Bown and prevented the, usually free-scoring winger, from adding to his 15 goals this season.
Then when the 27-year-old was brought off the bench, he popped up with the crucial second goal.
The gamble that Bielsa made by dropping a player who probably deserved to start worked, and no one can complain about it.
Bowen is a dangerous player, and Leeds ensured that he was shut out of the game, and this was because both Dallas and Gaetano Berardi stuck to the 22-year-old winger and ensured he could not get time on the ball.
Alioski, when he came on, was probably fired up because he was dropped, and he scored his fourth of the season. It was the perfect plan by Bielsa.