A lot of Leeds United fans want to see Barry Douglas in the starting XI after a tweet by LUFCDATA revealed just how out of position Ezgjan Alioski was.
The North Macedonian international was supposed to be playing left-back but found himself very advanced on many occasions, and though he contributed two assists, two of the goals Leeds conceded came down Alioski’s side.
Who should Leeds start at left-back for the West Brom match?
Douglas
Alioski
This has led to many Whites supporters wanting Marcelo Bielsa to play Douglas instead of Alioski for the West Bromwich Albion game.
This gives a good example of why Leeds were very vulnerable down the left yesterday. Alioski far more advanced than Ayling and Cooper/White/Phillips not able to cover between them https://t.co/awlbqqowFV
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 30, 2019
Douglas has to start against West Brom in my humble opinion, Phil. What are your thoughts? Alioski is great and full of energy but we do get picked off too easily down that side when he plays LB
— LUFC (@p3d87) December 30, 2019
More times than not he’s out of position. Douglas needs to come back in.
— Phil (@philleeds12345) December 30, 2019
Hes a live wire and brilliant on his day and really helps with the goals but defensively leaves us vulnerable. Always felt Douglas / Dallas offer a better balance at LB.
— Jake Riley (@JakeyRiley) December 30, 2019
I’d start Douglas myself he’s a natural LB ! Doesn’t bring alioskis energy going forward but knows his job far better ! Alioski positioning is terrible.
— Liam Rumsey (@LiamRumsey64) December 30, 2019
Douglas is our recognised left back but cant get a game? Hes also supposed to be our dead ball and assist specialist but not seen that since the first few games of last season?
— Doc (@333doc1) December 30, 2019
Last 30 minutes Alioski played like a teenager. He’s funny, nuts and frankly irresponsible all at the same time.
— Spoon Boots (@spoon_boots) December 30, 2019
What do we think?
Douglas, who is rated at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, has played nine games for Leeds this season, but he has suffered from injuries.
However, now the Scottish international is back in contention for Bielsa’s men.
The 30-year-old came to prominence in Wolves’ promotion campaign when he registered 14 assists from his left-back spot, and though he has not hit those heights for the Whites, yet he is still a good player and could replace Alioski for a crucial clash at the Hawthorns.