Leeds are flying high in the Championship this season, and two players at the heart of the team are Ezgjan Alioski and Stuart Dallas.
Both are primarily wingers for The Whites, however, manager Marcelo Bielsa has used them in very different ways so far this season.
With that in mind, let’s compare these two transfers…
Ezgjan Alioski
Leeds signed Alioski from Swiss outfit FC Lugano for an undisclosed fee in July 2017.
The Macedonian went on to play 42 Championship games last season in a mixed campaign at Elland Road. Bielsa has taken to him so far this season, and he has featured in every game in the league, scoring three goals and managing three assists.
However, despite his security in the Leeds set-up, it does not come without criticism. Many fans have been quick to highlight how the player loses the ball too easily, and, as Leeds have improved this season, they may be outgrowing the winger.
Nonetheless, that does not stop this from being a decent signing at the time.
TT Grade: B
Stuart Dallas
Leeds signed Dallas in August 2015 from fellow Championship outfit Brentford for an undisclosed fee.
The Northern Irishman took to life at Leeds by storm, becoming the Players’ Player of the Year at Leeds after his first season. While he was unable to replicate those lofty heights in the two following seasons, he still cemented himself as a dependable player for Leeds.
Bielsa was slightly reluctant in giving the winger game time during the early stages of the season, however, injuries to the likes of Luke Ayling and Sam Byram has forced the Argentinian to play Dallas as a right-back- something that he has done very well.
It is his versatility, therefore, that makes Dallas such a good signing for Leeds.
TT Grade: A
TT Verdict:
While Dallas may well not be as highly regarded by Bielsa as Alioski is this season, that does not stop him being the better transfer.
In this battle, where the fees have remained undisclosed, the fee spent is an irrelevance. What is more important is how each player has performed.
Both players had brilliant debut seasons for The Whites respectively, but it’s the fact that Dallas earned the accolade of Players’ Player of the Year which is why he wins this battle. Not only that, but his versatility makes him a slightly better asset to Leeds.
