When the name Ezgjan Alioski came onto the radar of Leeds United fans, there was genuine bemusement and surprise. Any Whites fan telling you they ‘knew of him’ was telling porkies.
The 26-year-old Macedonian left-winger arrived at Elland Road from Swiss Super League club FC Lugano for a fee thought to be around £2.2 million. He arrived after a career spent in Swiss football first for BSC Young Boys, later FC Schaffhausen and finally Lugano.
Last season’s figures for the Swiss side would have been the eye-openers that caught the attention of the Leeds United talent-spotting team. Alioski had his best season ever in 2016/17, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists across 34 league games.
Whilst he’s not managed to hit those heady heights in the Sky Bet Championship, the fleet-footed left-sided player does have six goals and five assists to his name. That’s not a bad start to his Leeds United career, a career that often carries the weight of great expectation with it.
What endeared him, initially, to the Leeds United faithful was his high-energy, front-foot style of football. Gianni, as he prefers to be known, likes to drive forward at the opposition and he isn’t afraid to let loose his shooting boots.
Leeds United v Bolton
Mini highlights without the goals #LUFC pic.twitter.com/SrutPzq8Kx— #WALMOT (@WALM0T33) March 31, 2018
After a dip in form from a sparkling opening to the campaign, a dip that drew criticism from some Whites fans, he is beginning to get back to his sparkling best. Evidence of just what that is, what Gianni Alioski is capable of can be seen in the above video. It was a display yesterday that had Leeds United fans commenting on Twitter.
Alioski back on form – fan reactions after yesterday’s performance
Alioski is ace and will get even better, works hard, hates not playing he’s learning and improving game on game, class signing 👍🏻
— rocky🎸 (@lufc_rockstar) March 31, 2018
ekuban out, scored today but given the service I could’ve scored 3. Best game from alioski in a while. Dallas and viera great also
— Scott Miller (@pepescott88) March 31, 2018
Yeah Alioski has had a brilliant first year in England and you’d back him to get better next season
— Joe Atherton (@joetmatherton) March 31, 2018
Alioski is brilliant I think and he’s been much better recently but still gets a ridiculous amount of shit
— Ryan Pinnick (@RPlufc93) March 31, 2018
Got to admire the commitment and desire of Alioski to not only get back to wear the white shirt but to also put a good shift in…well done
— Paul (@rissyone) March 31, 2018
Alioski was at his best. Stayed in his feet mostly too.
— Stu (Stoopo) (@stoopo) March 31, 2018
Alioski was at his best. Stayed in his feet mostly too.
— Stu (Stoopo) (@stoopo) March 31, 2018
Alioski on his day is very good just needs the consistency
— Daniel Berry (@DanielB466) March 31, 2018
Thought that Alioski was the main provider of chances and had a good game
— Confidiamo in Andrea (@ingham37) March 30, 2018
