“Good movement, great passing” – Loads of Leeds fans hail £15k-p/w wildcard after win

Loads of Leeds United fans have been hailing Ezgjan Alioski on social media for his game-changing contribution to Tuesday night’s 1-0 win over Reading.

Alioski was introduced to proceedings in the 66th-minute as the replacement for Mateusz Klich, with boss Marcelo Bielsa seemingly feeling the Polish midfielder was not performing at the standard needed to turn the draw into all three points.

Before the switch, we had attempted eight shots on goal to Reading’s four, but were yet to direct an effort on target with four sailing wide of the mark and four blocked, per WhoScored data.

Only 185 of our total 407 passes in the opening 65 minutes came inside the final third of the pitch, as well, from where 20 crosses were delivered, one through ball was played and four key passes were made.

Once Alioski came on for Klich and Pablo Hernandez moved in centrally, we improved our numbers to eight further shots, two on target, and played 53 of our 111 passes in Reading’s defensive third of the pitch.

Alioski contributed with eight of our final third passes after the 66th-minute, and delivered three crosses, made two key passes and his lay off to Helder Costa led to Jack Harrison’s match-winning goal.

The £15,000-per-week North Macedonian wildcard also won two aerial duels, and has come in for a wide range of praise on social media for his role in beating Reading and moving atop the Championship standings.

Here are some of the messages shared…

The change by Bielsa to bring on Alioski was perfect, good movement, great passing and created more space in wide areas which ultimately decided the game. Phew is the word after that but we look to score goals, not hope #lufc #alaw #MOT #REALEE

— Craig Smith (@craggsy82) November 26, 2019

For me Alioski changed the game when he came on massively under rated #lufc

— Philip Walker (@philleeds) November 26, 2019

Thought Alioski was a game changer in last 15, play was so much faster #LUFC

— Luke Harrison (@lukeharrison_96) November 26, 2019

Thought Alioski made the difference tonight. When he came on for Klich I was thinking it was a weird one but who am I ? #lufc

— Mr Popular (@Russlufc) November 26, 2019

I felt like the game changed after Alioski came on guy was every where on that pitch tonight

— Billy ???????????? (@LUFC_Billy) November 27, 2019

I was initially puzzled by the Alioski substitution but he did exactly what the game needed & it emphasises why you need versatile, experienced players like him & Dallas in the squad. Some of his runs/balls reminded me of what Samu Saiz used to do late on in matches. #lufc

— Tommy (@tommy_lufc) November 27, 2019

Alioski is the difference maker, he’s erratic with his distribution, although the lay off 2 costa for the goal whilst simple was well executed, but he adds a certain zip 2 the side which has been missing with his irrepressible enthusiasm Gianni we ❤️ U #lufc @ezgjanalioski

— Wiggi (@LeedssheepWiggi) November 27, 2019

Who else thought Alioski made an impact when he came on? Hasn’t been great this season when he’s played but last night he done well tbf.

— Harry (@HarryFoleyLUFC) November 27, 2019

Thought Alioski made a difference when he came on #lufc

— Ryan (@RPlufc93) November 26, 2019

Alioski brought a determination and urgency to a side that lacked the killer pace and instinct to get forward.

My mad Macedonian number 10 #lufc

— Jonny Chick ???????? (@jonnychick__) November 26, 2019