Think the biggest take is that we have to stop reacting to a Brighton game and jumping to conclusion that certain players aren't good enough.
The exact same 11 dominated a Tottenham side full of top quality internationals.
We have to spend more time trying to work what the opposition did differently to stop us performing at our best and how we can work around that problem, rather than singling out individuals or making the lazy assertion that players aren't trying or are too tired.
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 1 minute ago
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think he will be here next season. I get the impression he will prefer to be 1st choice, which he almost certainly won't be for us. And I expect a club signing him on a free to be first choice will be able to offer him a much higher wage than we can offer him as a second choice left back in our wage structure.
And while I think the weaknesses in his game means that it's the right decision by the club to keep the salary offer within the structure. And I also completely agree with Alioski's reasoning to leave if he so chooses to. I will still conclude that he was a cracking signing and had a very good Leeds career.
That lad from West Brom looks a good player. Pereira or however you spell it. Direct, fast and scores goals.
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 1 minute ago
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think he will be here next season. I get the impression he will prefer to be 1st choice, which he almost certainly won't be for us. And I expect a club signing him on a free to be first choice will be able to offer him a much higher wage than we can offer him as a second choice left back in our wage structure.
And while I think the weaknesses in his game means that it's the right decision by the club to keep the salary offer within the structure. And I also completely agree with Alioski's reasoning to leave if he so chooses to. I will still conclude that he was a cracking signing and had a very good Leeds career.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Good luck to him wherever he ends up. He’s been fantastic for us.
I think Pereira would be a great fit in our team.
On the game, I also felt Alioski played great. Koch,
Struijk & Llorente also. Harrison was on fire.
Not sure anyone had a bad game or even an off day.
Great all round team performance.
Club looking at a kid from Dynamo Kiev name begins with T, right footed wide man
Aloski is out of contract and I think will be offered some big long term contracts.
Whilst I’d like to keep him for the squad, sometimes you’ve just got to say, financially it’s not right for the club
I know it seems that a lot of us (me, for one) are on Alioski's case whenever he has a bad game, and that we don't give him the credit he deserves. Every Leeds fan worth his salt has to love the guy for his passion, skill and sheer likeability. But this club is moving up a gear and that's a gear that Gianni just hasn't got. At best he's held his own this year and certainly hasn't been our weakest performer, but he's not a Jack Harrison or KP, both of whom are on an upward curve, performance-wise. Tbh I'm not sure what Alioski's best position is but the left back position has been a vulnerable one for us for some time now. I believe that getting someone in who's a specialist in that position could improve our goals against rate by 5-10 next season. We love you Gianni and owe you so much - but it's time to say farewell.
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 1 hour, 51 minutes ago
Club looking at a kid from Dynamo Kiev name begins with T, right footed wide man
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Viktor Tsyhankov?
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 25 minutes ago
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would say that Alioski has had more impact than Roberts yes, but would definitely keep Roberts ahead of Alioski.
Roberts likely to be cheaper to extend his contract. But not the biggest reason.
Roberts has a far higher ceiling to his potential than Alioski. It's very likely that Alioski is as good a player as he ever will be at this stage.
On the other hand it's obvious that Roberts has areas to his game that are very very good. He had a poor game against Tottenham and made too many mistakes. He makes too many wrong decisions and this season he has lacked composure. Last seen a lot of people on here wanted him to replace Bamford because of the composure he had shown infront of goal though. Decision making and composure are aspects of his game that he can improve and will improve with game time.
His strengths in being able to play through great balls, receive the ball on the move/half turn, very quick feet, good touch, good ball carrier etc are all harder to teach and find though.
So would make perfect sense to give him another season to learn the game more. Given that he has had lots of injuries and changed position I think that's fair.
If he sorts out the weaknesses he's a player easily worth £20M. Alioski will never be that player. If we give Roberts another season and he doesn't improve then of course he can go. But what is there to lose?
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
I agree that holding onto Roberts is a low-risk strategy, but I've seen little improvement in him for a couple of years now, so won't expect much from him.
I truly hope I'm wrong (I normally am!) as he's a nice guy and can't fault his effort or energy levels.
As you say, key things lacking currently are his decision-making and composure. Fingers crossed - if he begins to work those sides of his game out he will be a great asset.
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's easy surely, Shackleton hasn't really shown any improvement to his game this season but he is only 21 and whilst there are no indications that he has what it takes to be a premier league player, he was born in Leeds and for some that's enough.
It's easy not to fully appreciate the patience of Bielsa sometimes. After studying the games where we were soundly beaten, he didn't panic - as many coaches do - and make rash changes or an overhaul of the 1st XI. Instead he has taken his own time to analyse everything in detail how to adapt and change the system according to the way many top way teams play in the Premier League. That process will only continue and surely stands us in good stead for next season.
Regarding certain members of the squad, the simple fact is that without substantial time on the pitch, it is hard to make a judgement about their value to the squad.
I can't think of any fringe players who have been abjectly abysmal when given a rare chance to play. Shackleton, given a rare chance against Villa away had a great game. Players like Klich and Costa were played regardless of their obvious fall away.
We all think differently on a wide variety of topics discussed, but either way, Bielsa has delivered the goods, so we can't argue that the decisions he has implemented have not been, on balance, effective.
On a note of caution: Wolves and Sheffield United could be on Bielsa's radar if he gets bored; perhaps he can analyse if there was a reason why they performed so badly immediately after they both had strong seasons. Either way, let's hope we don't become victims of 'second syndrome' season and can push on and upwards next season. Leicester have shown us what is possible and I think is a reasonable model about what we could achieve with the right investment.
MOT
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 4 hours, 14 minutes ago
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's easy surely, Shackleton hasn't really shown any improvement to his game this season but he is only 21 and whilst there are no indications that he has what it takes to be a premier league player, he was born in Leeds and for some that's enough.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it's also because he's not playing regularly. Roberts is a key part of the first team squad and Shack isn't.
If we have the same second season syndrome as last time we got promoted that will do nicely,
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 21 hours, 38 minutes ago
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
odd comparison given their different positions, age brackets and levels of experience, no?
Page 1 of 1
First
Previous
1
Next
Latest
Sign in if you want to comment
Spurs Game
Page 1 of 1
posted on 10/5/21
Think the biggest take is that we have to stop reacting to a Brighton game and jumping to conclusion that certain players aren't good enough.
The exact same 11 dominated a Tottenham side full of top quality internationals.
We have to spend more time trying to work what the opposition did differently to stop us performing at our best and how we can work around that problem, rather than singling out individuals or making the lazy assertion that players aren't trying or are too tired.
posted on 10/5/21
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
posted on 10/5/21
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 1 minute ago
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think he will be here next season. I get the impression he will prefer to be 1st choice, which he almost certainly won't be for us. And I expect a club signing him on a free to be first choice will be able to offer him a much higher wage than we can offer him as a second choice left back in our wage structure.
And while I think the weaknesses in his game means that it's the right decision by the club to keep the salary offer within the structure. And I also completely agree with Alioski's reasoning to leave if he so chooses to. I will still conclude that he was a cracking signing and had a very good Leeds career.
posted on 10/5/21
That lad from West Brom looks a good player. Pereira or however you spell it. Direct, fast and scores goals.
posted on 10/5/21
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 6 minutes ago
comment by All the Bielsa ringing (U19827)
posted 1 minute ago
I agree with you about Alioski, Faith. I've always seen him as a wing back more than a full-back. He is most prone to mistakes against pacy strikers who can run with the ball. His anticipation sometimes lets him down and he isn't fast enough to catch up. He was very good running the channels against Spurs and along with Harrison and, later, Raph, he made life miserable for Aurier. Posters often write that we need better without looking at the range of skills Alioski brings to the team. There will certainly be plenty of takers for him. Bielsa recognises the energy and directness he brings on the left side, he seldom gets injured, and you know exactly what you will get from him. That's why, I think, he has played so often this season. He's not the best left back, but he's our best left back, and he is 100% Leeds United. If he stays, and even if we buy a dedicated left back, he will still have an important role to play.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think he will be here next season. I get the impression he will prefer to be 1st choice, which he almost certainly won't be for us. And I expect a club signing him on a free to be first choice will be able to offer him a much higher wage than we can offer him as a second choice left back in our wage structure.
And while I think the weaknesses in his game means that it's the right decision by the club to keep the salary offer within the structure. And I also completely agree with Alioski's reasoning to leave if he so chooses to. I will still conclude that he was a cracking signing and had a very good Leeds career.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. Good luck to him wherever he ends up. He’s been fantastic for us.
posted on 10/5/21
I think Pereira would be a great fit in our team.
On the game, I also felt Alioski played great. Koch,
Struijk & Llorente also. Harrison was on fire.
Not sure anyone had a bad game or even an off day.
Great all round team performance.
posted on 10/5/21
Club looking at a kid from Dynamo Kiev name begins with T, right footed wide man
posted on 10/5/21
Aloski is out of contract and I think will be offered some big long term contracts.
Whilst I’d like to keep him for the squad, sometimes you’ve just got to say, financially it’s not right for the club
posted on 10/5/21
I know it seems that a lot of us (me, for one) are on Alioski's case whenever he has a bad game, and that we don't give him the credit he deserves. Every Leeds fan worth his salt has to love the guy for his passion, skill and sheer likeability. But this club is moving up a gear and that's a gear that Gianni just hasn't got. At best he's held his own this year and certainly hasn't been our weakest performer, but he's not a Jack Harrison or KP, both of whom are on an upward curve, performance-wise. Tbh I'm not sure what Alioski's best position is but the left back position has been a vulnerable one for us for some time now. I believe that getting someone in who's a specialist in that position could improve our goals against rate by 5-10 next season. We love you Gianni and owe you so much - but it's time to say farewell.
posted on 10/5/21
comment by AndDonRevieistheKing (U7852)
posted 1 hour, 51 minutes ago
Club looking at a kid from Dynamo Kiev name begins with T, right footed wide man
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Viktor Tsyhankov?
posted on 10/5/21
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
posted on 10/5/21
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 25 minutes ago
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would say that Alioski has had more impact than Roberts yes, but would definitely keep Roberts ahead of Alioski.
Roberts likely to be cheaper to extend his contract. But not the biggest reason.
Roberts has a far higher ceiling to his potential than Alioski. It's very likely that Alioski is as good a player as he ever will be at this stage.
On the other hand it's obvious that Roberts has areas to his game that are very very good. He had a poor game against Tottenham and made too many mistakes. He makes too many wrong decisions and this season he has lacked composure. Last seen a lot of people on here wanted him to replace Bamford because of the composure he had shown infront of goal though. Decision making and composure are aspects of his game that he can improve and will improve with game time.
His strengths in being able to play through great balls, receive the ball on the move/half turn, very quick feet, good touch, good ball carrier etc are all harder to teach and find though.
So would make perfect sense to give him another season to learn the game more. Given that he has had lots of injuries and changed position I think that's fair.
If he sorts out the weaknesses he's a player easily worth £20M. Alioski will never be that player. If we give Roberts another season and he doesn't improve then of course he can go. But what is there to lose?
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
posted on 10/5/21
I agree that holding onto Roberts is a low-risk strategy, but I've seen little improvement in him for a couple of years now, so won't expect much from him.
I truly hope I'm wrong (I normally am!) as he's a nice guy and can't fault his effort or energy levels.
As you say, key things lacking currently are his decision-making and composure. Fingers crossed - if he begins to work those sides of his game out he will be a great asset.
posted on 10/5/21
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's easy surely, Shackleton hasn't really shown any improvement to his game this season but he is only 21 and whilst there are no indications that he has what it takes to be a premier league player, he was born in Leeds and for some that's enough.
posted on 10/5/21
It's easy not to fully appreciate the patience of Bielsa sometimes. After studying the games where we were soundly beaten, he didn't panic - as many coaches do - and make rash changes or an overhaul of the 1st XI. Instead he has taken his own time to analyse everything in detail how to adapt and change the system according to the way many top way teams play in the Premier League. That process will only continue and surely stands us in good stead for next season.
Regarding certain members of the squad, the simple fact is that without substantial time on the pitch, it is hard to make a judgement about their value to the squad.
I can't think of any fringe players who have been abjectly abysmal when given a rare chance to play. Shackleton, given a rare chance against Villa away had a great game. Players like Klich and Costa were played regardless of their obvious fall away.
We all think differently on a wide variety of topics discussed, but either way, Bielsa has delivered the goods, so we can't argue that the decisions he has implemented have not been, on balance, effective.
On a note of caution: Wolves and Sheffield United could be on Bielsa's radar if he gets bored; perhaps he can analyse if there was a reason why they performed so badly immediately after they both had strong seasons. Either way, let's hope we don't become victims of 'second syndrome' season and can push on and upwards next season. Leicester have shown us what is possible and I think is a reasonable model about what we could achieve with the right investment.
MOT
posted on 10/5/21
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 4 hours, 14 minutes ago
I do wonder why it is that so many want rid of Roberts, yet don't have any concerns about Shackleton?
------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's easy surely, Shackleton hasn't really shown any improvement to his game this season but he is only 21 and whilst there are no indications that he has what it takes to be a premier league player, he was born in Leeds and for some that's enough.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think it's also because he's not playing regularly. Roberts is a key part of the first team squad and Shack isn't.
posted on 10/5/21
If we have the same second season syndrome as last time we got promoted that will do nicely,
posted on 11/5/21
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 21 hours, 38 minutes ago
When thinking about Alioski, how would you compare his impact this season with that of, say, Roberts?
For me Alioski has had far more impact on results (both positive and negative I suppose) than Roberts has.
If I had to chose which of those two to keep, it would probably be Alioski as I see little reward for all the minutes Roberts has had on the pitch this season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
odd comparison given their different positions, age brackets and levels of experience, no?
Page 1 of 1