The Marcelo Bielsa era ended at Leeds this week, but there was also an ‘end of an era’ feeling over the summer at Elland Road.
Indeed, a number of the Leeds old-guard were ushered out in the summer with the likes of Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez departing the club.
Another fan favourite who left the club in the summer was Ezgjan Alioski, and while Berardi and Hernandez aren’t faring too well at their new clubs, Alioski is shining.
The Macedonian is playing absolutely brilliantly in Saudi Arabia. He has scored five goals and crafted seven assists for a total of 12 goal contributions this term.
In context, Leeds’ top attacking threat, Raphinha, has managed nine goals and two assists for 11 goal contributions, one fewer than Alioski.
Granted four of Alioski’s five goals have come from the penalty spot, but at the same time, three of Raphinha’s strikes this season have been spot-kicks.
Of course, the Saudi Pro League isn’t at the same level as the Premier League, but Alioski’s impressive return this term goes to show that he still has something to offer.
Given that Leeds have had some serious issues at left-back this season with Junior Firpo struggling to stay fit and struggling to adapt, we have to wonder whether or not Leeds would have been better off keeping Alioski rather than letting him go for free last year.
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