Noel Whelan surprised Gjanni Alioski keeps place in Leeds side for Derby clash

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Gjanni Alioski has kept his place in the Leeds United side for their Championship clash with Derby County.

Noel Whelan has told BBC Radio Leeds that he has no idea how Gjanni Alioski has managed to keep his place in the Leeds side for their Championship clash with Derby County on Tuesday night.

Alioski has endured a difficult time since arriving at Elland Road. Though he made a bright start with the Whites, his form has dropped off over the last couple of months, and the winger is yet to score or contribute an assist in the second tier since August.

The Macedonia international was extremely poor against Sheffield United on Friday night, and yet, has managed to keep his place in the side, with Thomas Christiansen selecting him in his starting lineup for their clash with the Rams on Tuesday night.

But Whelan admitted that he was quite surprised to see Alioski keep his place in the team as he is yet to fully prove what he brings to the team.

“Honestly, I’ve got no idea. I really do not know,” he told BBC Radio Leeds, when asked how Alioski manages to keep his place.

“He’s a wasted man at times. I know he does work off the ball and that’s great but I’ve still got to see so much more from him. He’s got to be stronger, he’s got to be more aggressive.

“Against Bristol, I was really pleased with him because he was aggressive in that final third when he created the goal. He was tackling, he was getting back, but it’s got to be on a consistent basis and he’s not the only person either.”

Alioski will be hoping that he can prove in the clash with Derby that Christiansen’s faith in him has not been misplaced. He certainly has the quality to make a game-changing impact, and with Leeds going into the clash with a poor run of form behind them, it would certainly be a welcome time for the winger to prove exactly what he can bring to the table.