When Leeds United completed the signing of Barry Douglas from Wolves in July, many thought it was a contender for signing of the summer in the Championship.

That was understandable too. The Whites had landed a player who had been outstanding in a title-winning side in the previous campaign, where he contributed with five goals and 14 assists.

Therefore, to even be debating whether he should be starting for Marcelo Bielsa's side is huge praise to the man keeping him out - Ezgjan Alioski.

The Macedonian has been superb since moving to left-back, providing a real energy and quality in a deeper position and Douglas will know he has a real battle to win his place back.

Firstly, you have to say that the ex-Dundee United man hasn't played as well as he did at Wolves.

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Playing in a back four, as opposed to the wing-back role he occupied at Wanderers, won't have helped but Bielsa gives his full-backs a license to get forward, so it shouldn't have made such a difference.

But, it has, with his defensive work suspect at times, whilst he surprisingly hasn't been as productive in the final third with his brilliant left foot.

That's not to say Douglas has had a bad season, he's played 22 games for a side that could go top tomorrow night, so he clearly deserves some credit.

However, he hasn't hit the same high standards he set last season and with Alioski performing as he is, he will need to rediscover that level pretty quickly if he is to get back in Bielsa's best XI.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.