A lot of Leeds United fans have reacted to Phil Hay’s article about Leeds’ left-back situation.
The Whites have recently used Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas, but neither have really impressed for various reasons.
Who should Leeds start at left-back?
Alioski
Douglas
Dallas
However, it is Alioski who has emerged with the most criticism after a series of dodgy defensive displays in recent weeks.
Good left-backs are rare, which is why Leeds were so pleased when they found out Wolves were selling Barry Douglas.
But it’s the outfield position where Marcelo Bielsa seems unsure about his options and a position which has been a problem since Christmas:https://t.co/vPDTOpP1SC
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 15, 2020
For a while Alioski is wasteful on attack (being offside, too many bad hopeful crosses,losing the ball) and very questionable defence.
Yes he has a decent engine and defence isnt favoured but his overall quality isn’t right for improving the first 11.
Sub/Impact player at best.— Kasper (@brandycat3) January 15, 2020
Good read Phil. For me, I like alioski and appreciate his attacking endeavour but I don’t recall ever discussing a Douglas error that’s led to a goal. Maybe due to lack of minutes but for me it’s about shape and structure. Alioski on for Harrison or Costa for impact.
— Jonny Spoons (@jonny_spoons) January 15, 2020
Well @PhilHay_ I can tell you one thing, Alioski is not the answer a complete liability, no positional sense causing cooper & white major problems!!
— Hopper (@lparfitt22) January 15, 2020
Alioski is far too weak for defence he has no upper body strength and is a paper weight. Love the guy great utility player for bench.
— mightywhites#lufc (@Greg94677) January 15, 2020
Douglas for me, Alioski is all over the place.
— Dazza (@DazScott1) January 15, 2020
Alioski has been rotten through Xmas; Douglas is our best left back imo.
— Colin Weir (@Official_ColinW) January 15, 2020
Alioski is a liability at LB. Douglas is less so but still defensively questionable. Dallas would be my choice
— Hendo (@HendoLJ) January 15, 2020
I know one thing for certain, Alioski ain’t the answer. He can’t tackle for a start…
— Paul Fox (@foxy2319) January 15, 2020
Alioski at left back is too much off a risk, and a risk we don’t need to take. Douglas should be our starting left back.
— James Mantella (@JYM40) January 15, 2020
What do we think?
Alioski, when playing at left-back or left-wing-back for Leeds, is brilliant going forward, and from that position, he has scored four goals and provided three assists.
However, it is his defensive positioning that lets him down and probably means he will never be a fulltime left-back.
The Whites conceded 14 goals in all competitions during the festive period, and quite a few of these were down Alioski’s side.
For example, against Birmingham City, the first goal Leeds conceded came from a cross on the left with Alioski out of position. (0:49)
Then on Saturday, Jacob Murphy peeled off of Alioski before he fired a shot through Kiko Casilla. (1:45)
Still, his apparent lack of defensive positioning has cost his team in recent weeks, and if the Whites want to improve, they should consider playing Douglas or Stuart Dallas there.