The former Leeds United striker had doubts about Egzjan Alioski on Saturday.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Noel Whelan has suggested that Leeds United star Egzjan Alioski must adapt to the physical nature of the Championship.
Leeds tasted defeat for the first time this season on Saturday after losing 1-0 away to a physical Millwall side.
The Whites travelled to London as top dogs in the Championship but a number of their stand-out performers this season went missing, with the likes of Alioski, Samu Saiz and Pablo Hernandez unable to weave their magic at The Den.
The 25-year-old, a £3.2 million signing from Lugano, was particularly quiet and head coach Thomas Christiansen replaced him with Kemar Roofe at the half-time break.
The Macedonia international has looked brilliant on the ball for United but there are increasing question marks over his capacity to handle the rough aspect of England’s second tier.
And former striker Whelan revealed to BBC Radio Leeds that he had doubts over Alioski’s physicality, admitting that the “lightweight” needs some steal to match his silk.
“He was my question mark for the game, whether he could cope with the physical attributes that Millwall were going to throw at them,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“I did question that when I saw him against Bolton as well – lightweight.
“On occasions brilliant from the man, but when it comes to the physical games he always seems to be like the one who could go missing when it gets a little bit tough out there.”
Leeds remain top of the league, but only on goal difference. They host Ipswich Town at Elland Road next weekend.
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