Leeds United manager Daniel Farke points towards the pitch during a game
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke points towards the pitch during a game
Julian Finney/Getty Images
Commentator Adam Pope has revealed that Leeds United’s current full-backs remind him of former Whites star Ezgjan Alioski’s explosive runs under Marcelo Bielsa.
The Yorkshire club’s unbeaten Premier League run came to an end last weekend when they suffered a 2-1 defeat in north London against Arsenal.
Defender James Justin gave Leeds the lead in the 55th minute, but the Gunners quickly equalised in the 62nd minute before scoring the winner in the 70th.
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Justin’s goal against Arsenal further highlighted the attacking output of Leeds’ full-backs, who are becoming increasingly valuable in the final third.
Pope compared Leeds’ current approach to Bielsa’s time at the club, recalling how Alioski regularly made runs towards the back post from both sides of the pitch.
He stressed that the current side are not an exact reflection of Bielsa’s team, but believes there are similarities in the way they use attacking runs to stretch opponents and create opportunities.
The commentator also highlighted Jayden Bogle’s movement, pointing to his diagonal and back-post runs which are in his view really hard to pick up.
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Lugano Leeds United
Al-Ahli Fenerbahce
Speaking on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet (9:56), Pope said: “I love it.
“I mean, it does remind me a bit about the Bielsa time where you’d get Alioski coming flying in the back post, we were seeing it loads on both sides.
“And you’re seeing it with Leeds now, so not saying a mirror image, but it does remind me of that.
“And hence you’re seeing runs being made; I mean, we’re so used to it now, particularly Bogle, aren’t we?
“Seeing a diagonal run or a back post run. And it’s really hard to pick up, isn’t it?”
Alioski, who made 171 appearances for the club, was known for his explosive runs on the left wing and was very threatening for Leeds, especially during his time in the Championship.
Daniel Farke will hope his full-backs can build on their strong performances as he will look to return Leeds to winning ways in the next game.
The Whites are set to face Manchester United this weekend and will look to take advantage of the Red Devils’ poor form.
However, a former Leeds star has warned the Whites to keep their discipline against Manchester United, though admitted he does want to see tackles flying in when the Red Devils visit Elland Road.