Leeds should drop Ezgjan Alioski in at left-back against Derby

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Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski is somewhat of an enigma at Elland Road, as he’s almost always included in the starting XI display turning in some inconsistent displays this season.

The 26-year-old is a winger by trade that ended his goal drought in the 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the last league game, but it’s his defensive work that may be required in the upcoming fixture.

Championship leaders Leeds host sixth-placed Derby County on Friday in the league and are looking to end a run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions.

Manager Marcelo Bielsa is currently trying to balance a spate of injuries and key defender Barry Douglas has been ruled out for two to three weeks.

The Yorkshire giants will be without first-choice left-back Douglas against a dangerous Derby side and it certainly gives the manager a selection headache.

Leeds do have young left-backs up their sleeves in the shape of 20-year-old Tom Pearce but he has only just returned from injury, while 18-year-old Leif Davis has made just one senior appearance.

The best solution could be dropping Alioski into the full-back role, something he does regularly on international duty with Macedonia.

His experience would be a much better fit against Derby, who have dangerous wide men in the form of Tom Lawrence and Harry Wilson.