Alioski raves about one Leeds player, names the quartet who have helped him settle
By Harry Sykes
Ezgjan Alioski has named the Leeds United quartet who have helped him settle since his summer transfer from Swiss club Lugano.
The winger, 25, has become a fans favourite since being part of a massive squad revamp that has paved the way for United to climb to the top of the Championship after seven matches.
Alioski is in contention to start Leeds’ trip to Millwall on Saturday after being recalled for the midweek triumph against Birmingham City.
The Macedonia international revealed in a press conference on Friday how he is adapting life in Yorkshire after striking up bonds with Swiss international Gaetano Berardi, fellow Italian speaking duo Pontus Jansson and Caleb Ekuban, and room mate Samuel Saiz.
“Gaetano Berardi helped me and Ekuban and also Samu Saiz,” said Alioski, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post. “But mostly Gaetano Berardi and Pontus – they tell me which restaurants are good here in Leeds or where to go and which places. They are a big help.”
Explaining more about his bond with Saiz, multi-lingual Alioski told the YEP: “He speaks only Spanish, he doesn’t understand good English and, me, I don’t speak Spanish!
“But we communicate in a little English or Italian, I speak a little German and we speak like this to communicate like this and I’m glad we can because it’s not easy.
“It’s a nice feeling with him, we are good friends, we go after training to eat and things like this and I am in the room with him when we go away.
“I like also how he plays, I like the technique that he has. He’s a very good player.”
Alioski and Saiz were influential on Tuesday as Thomas Christiansen’s side leapfrogged Cardiff City to take first spot for the first time in the second tier since Howard Wilkinson was manager in 1990.
It was the fourth win on the trot and followed convincing victories against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Burton Albion.
Alioski has started six of their seven league matches and will be hoping to keep his place in the team for the New Den clash in the face of increasing competition.
In other Leeds United news, the Yorkshire giants and Newcastle United have made rival bids to sign a defender and he has now agreed a deal.
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