Barry Douglas is expected to challenge Ezgjan Alioski for Leeds United's left-back spot ahead of next season, with both players set to make their returns from injury.

Douglas started last season as Marcelo Bielsa's first-choice on the left side, but the Scottish international saw his season hampered by injury and Alioski eventually dropped back from left midfield to regularly fill in at the back.

The defender then had to watch on from the sidelines as his side slipped out of the automatic promotion spots and then suffered a dramatic play-off semi-final defeat against Derby County.

So, a string of injuries prevented Douglas from playing consistently during his first season at Elland Road after his move from Wolves last summer. However, he is expected to be fit and ready to impress Bielsa in pre-season.

But will Douglas be able to oust Alioski from the left-back spot after the latter's impressive run in the role during the second half of last season?

We take a look...

Douglas started the season well but was eventually restricted to just 27 appearances following his switch from Premier League newcomers Wolves, and the Scot registered a commendable five assists during this time. However, this is a drop-off from his return the previous season at Wolves where he managed nine more assists.

The 29-year-old proved his ability to chip in defensively, as he made an average of two tackles and 1.9 clearances per game. However, he is most renowned for his attacking exploits from the left-back role, and his average of 1.4 key passes per game reflects that he is most lethal when passing in between the lines.

Douglas also made an average of 45.1 key passes per game with an 81.3% pass success rate, which is an impressive return for a left-sided defender and exhibits where he is most effective.

Both Douglas and Alioski boast a similar skill set, which makes it difficult to predict which of the two will start in the role next season.

However, Douglas' attacking statistics reveal he can certainly fulfil Bielsa's requirements of a full-back if he proves his fitness in pre-season.