---
title: "Leeds: Pundit hails Ezgjan Alioski"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-pundit-hails-ezgjan-alioski/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-05-28T11:10:31Z"
modified: "2021-05-28T11:10:31Z"
---

# Leeds: Pundit hails Ezgjan Alioski

**Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has hailed Ezgjan Alioski as an ‘unsung hero’ for Leeds United, as the North Macedonian nears his Whites exit.**

### The Lowdown: Alioski set to leave

The 29-year-old has been a key figure for Leeds during a great period in their history, shining with Marcelo Bielsa at the helm.

Alioski has made [171 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ezgjan-alioski/alletore/spieler/129604) for the Whites, chipping in with 22 goals and 19 assists along the way and shining in an auxiliary left-back role.

He is set to move on at the end of the season, however, with his contract at Elland Road [expiring](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ezgjan-alioski/profil/spieler/129604) and Galatasaray heavily [linked](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-ezgjan-alioski-officially-begins-talks-for-galatasaray-move/) with snapping him up.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355460″\]

### The Latest: McLeish lauds ‘unsung hero’

Speaking to [*Football Insider*](https://www.footballinsider247.com/ex-manager-heralds-unsung-hero-at-leeds-united-as-dallas-drops-exit-hint/), 62-year-old McLeish was full of praise for Alioski, lauding the job he has done for Leeds, particularly in terms of changing roles:

> “It depends if Bielsa adds another bit of quality somewhere. He’s bursting with quality all over.
>
> “You think of Alioski, who’s a converted left wing-back. He was a smashing little winger in his own right but the job he’s done has been quite exceptional as well.
>
> “He’s not a renowned defender but he adapted very quickly and an unsung hero in a sense. It’s been a good all-round performance by very, very hungry, young, dynamic Leeds team.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/)

### **The Verdict: Right time to move on**

While Alioski has undoubtedly been a key man for a number of years – [Kevin Phillips hailed his ‘brilliant’ work rate and bits of ‘magic’ earlier this season](https://www.footballinsider247.com/exclusive-phillips-drools-as-leeds-plan-contract-talks-with-brilliant-28-yr-old/) – it does makes sense for him to enjoy a fresh challenge, rather than sign a new deal.

It gives Bielsa the chance to bringing in a natural left-back, potentially making his team even more balanced – perhaps one who isn’t nearing 30 years of age, such as Stade Brest defender [Romain Perraud](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-whites-confident-of-signing-romain-perraud/).

Alioski’s character could be missed, however, so it is important that his replacement possesses a similar kind of mentality – every side needs a few players with that extra competitive edge.

***In other news, Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a move for an exciting attacking player. Find out who it is [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-whites-eye-up-move-for-matheus-cunha/).***