Stuart Dallas has been a great asset to Leeds this season, starting every single league game in a multitude of positions.
The Northern Irishman has recently been playing in the midfield, but it may be time for him to move back to full-back.
There’s no doubting that Dallas has been brilliant as a midfielder since being moved to that spot by Marcelo Bielsa.
He’s put up some incredible numbers, producing 2.1 shots per game as well as two tackles per match, but through no fault of his own, it may be time to end that experiment.
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Alioski’s woes
Ezgjan Alioski has been Leeds’ left-back in recent times, and it’s fair to say that his performances haven’t been up to scratch over the past few weeks.
Phil Hay was critical of Alioski during his post-match Q&A session after the West Brom match, commenting:
“Alioski was becoming more and more of an issue and Douglas is much more of a defender, with a defender’s brain. I’d be surprised if we don’t see a switch there in the next game now. Douglas deserves to start.”
Hay’s suggestion is to start Douglas instead, but even he admitted the former Wolves man isn’t consistent enough, stating: “I like Douglas. It’s just unfortunate that he can’t replicate the form he showed at Wolves – although it’s important to note that he doesn’t have players like Neves or Jota around him either.”
So, if Alioski is causing issues at left-back and Douglas isn’t consistent enough what’s the answer?
Surely, Bielsa has to consider moving Dallas back to left-back.
We’re not far off of Forshaw’s return from injury, and the 64-year-old also has the option of bringing Jamie Shackleton or Tyler Roberts back into the fold as they get ready to return.
Leeds have a bit of a break until their next league game, with the FA Cup match against Arsenal providing them with a bit of respite. Once the Championship returns United should have the midfield options at their disposal that will allow them to move Dallas to left-back.
He’s thrived in that position previously, completing ten tackles across the three games he featured in that role throughout December.
In other news, one of Leeds’ potential Nketiah replacements would bring the same problems the Arsenal loanee had.
