Ben Parker reacts to Gjanni Alioski’s display in Leeds draw

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Ben Parker has told LS11 that while he would still consider Stuart Dallas to be Leeds United’s first-choice left-back, he felt that Gjanni Alioski was superb in their draw with Arsenal on Sunday.

Perhaps surprisingly, Alioski kept his place for the clash with the Gunners. Once again, the North Macedonia international started on the left of the defence with Dallas playing in a more central role in midfield.

Of course, the most notable incident involving Alioski came when he clashed with Nicolas Pepe. But Parker clearly felt that that moment should not overshadow the Leeds star’s overall performance in the stalemate.

“When everyone’s fit, first-choice I’d say is still Stuart Dallas. I think Stuart Dallas has earned that right to be called the first-choice. But I thought Alioski was superb on Sunday,” he told LS11.

“He kept on driving forward.  There were a couple of times when Arsenal tried to counter attack, tried to play a long ball over the top, he positioned himself great, got the ball down on his chest and off we go again.

“So I think for him, a massive confidence boost with his country qualifying for the Euros. I got to speak to him at the back end of last week and you could just see the joy on his face.”

TBR View: Alioski display vindicates club starting contract talks

It was certainly a performance that highlighted why Marcelo Bielsa often turns to Alioski when he needs to fill a place in the side.

Of course, the Crystal Palace game in which Alioski previously featured did not go to plan. But before that, he had been outstanding against Aston Villa in the same role.

The Arsenal display came hours after a report from The Athletic claimed that talks over a new contract for Alioski are underway. And it was suggested that an agreement is expected. He currently earns £15,000-a-week, according to Spotrac.

As Parker says, it does not appear that Alioski is a first-choice in Bielsa’s plans. But there is no question that he remains a hugely valuable member of the squad.