He hasn’t been in great form the last month but Gjanni Alioski had to be at his best last night for his national side to help them to a point in Italy against one of the best international sides in the world. Macedonia can’t qualify but put on a very good showing, coming from behind to take a point.
Macedonia have picked up points here and there this campaign but were never really expected to get close to Russia. The national side haven’t let themselves down and a point in Italy is a very good result for the country with the qualifying campaign coming to a close it is something for the side to take into the next campaign. Alioski is a key player for the national side and plays in a wingback role, the 3-5-2 suiting his energetic bursts up and down the flanks, last night he had a huge task. Last night he was faced with the likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Simione Verdi.
Alioski hasn’t been doing great for Leeds the last few games, the rough and tumble of the English second tier catching up with him slightly after a very good start. It certainly won’t swallow him up though and he has proved he can make it as this level, he just needs to keep playing and adapt to the toughness, especially away from home. Many foreign players have the same issues and it takes a while to settle but last night he has proved on his day he can square up to some of the best albeit against a weaker Italy side than in previous time. They host Liechtenstein in the final game and will want to end with a win.