Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has criticised Ezgjan Alioski for his performance in the game against Brentford at Elland Road on Wednesday night.

Alioski was an extremely important player for Leeds last season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists for his teammates in 47 appearances in all competitions.

The 27-year-old started every game for Leeds in the Championship before he suffered a serious knee injury in the 2-0 defeat at Brentford in April, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

He made his first league start of the new campaign for Leeds against the Bees on Wednesday night, starting the game at left-back in absence of the injured Barry Douglas.

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Alioski played the entire match as Leeds ran out 1-0 winners to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season.

However, former Leeds striker Whelan was far from impressed with Alioski's display and insisted that he will be lucky to keep his place in the side against Stoke City tomorrow.

“I think his lack of game time showed the other night. Loose passes, he didn’t look very comfortable at times with the ball at his feet,” Whelan told Football Insider.

“Going forward, that quality of putting the ball into the box wasn’t there. The quality at times if frustrating, it’s got to be frustrating for Bielsa as well. It’s a lack of concentration and carelessness.”

“Would he be starting if Barry Douglas was fit against Stoke? I very much doubt it.

“I don’t think he proved enough the other night to say that he’s going to be taking Barry Douglas’ place. If Douglas is fit, he plays, simple as.”

Leeds are currently top of the Championship table on goal difference and will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season against Stoke this weekend.

Marcelo Bielsa has spoken to the media ahead of the Championship clash and has confirmed that Douglas will miss the game due to injury, meaning Alioski could maintain his place in the starting line-up.

The Verdict

I agree with Whelan here. Alioski was an extremely important player for Leeds last season and it was a real blow when the injury against Brentford ruled him out for the season.

However, his performances so far this campaign haven't been that impressive and his lack of game time is evident. He didn't look comfortable on the ball against Brentford and gave it away a few times.

There's every chance that he could lose his place in the starting XI when Douglas returns from injury.

He will need to put in a good performance against Stoke tomorrow in order to convince Bielsa that he deserves to keep his place in the side.