You can say what you want about the new UEFA Nations League and how pointless it is but for some nations it’s far from pointless. This represents the best possible opportunity to break into a major tournament, something that applies heavily to Gjanni Alioski and Macedonia.
Alioski bagged a crucial second goal to cement victory over Gibraltar. The hosts aren’t expected to secure a first win but have shown signs of improvement at times since they were allowed to join UEFA. At club level the sides have certainly improved, last season Lincoln Red Imps, Gibraltar’s most famous club beat Celtic in the home leg of the Champions League qualifiers. They were beaten at Celtic Park but the one-off situation in Gibraltar had proved tricky, not so for Macedonia.
WATCH: @LUFC winger Ezgjan Alioski puts Macedonia 2-0 up away at Gibraltar!
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Alioski is one of the most important players for the Macedonia national side, often playing as a wing-back and being asked to put in a huge workload for the team, as well as being one of the creative sparks going forward. Last nights goal was very well taken, helping his nation to an early three points, points that shouldn’t be snubbed at given what could possibly be the reward for the winners of each group.
Alioksi has shown much better end product this season under Marcelo Bielsa. Last term we only saw patches of quality and in the main it was a disappointing season for the player who had started so well. Under Bielsa he looks confident and more willing to get balls into the box and have shots at goal. he has already formed a very good partnership with Barry Douglas down the left hand side of the park, an area which has flourished already.
