Wales media have a lot to say about Leeds United star Dan James’ display against Ezgjan Alioski — Leeds United News 26/3/25

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Will Butcher

Dan James and Gjanni Alioski never crossed paths at Leeds United but the two did face each other on Tuesday night, as Wales and North Macedonia played out a 1-1 draw in Skopje.

A cult hero at Leeds United, Gjanni Alioski spent four years with Leeds having joined the club in 2017 from Swiss side FC Lugano. He went on to play 170 times for Leeds in a few positions, scoring 22 goals.

But he left the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2021, opting to move to the Middle East with Al Ahli. That summer, Leeds spent a whopping £25m to sign Dan James who has also remained four years.

The two never played together at Elland Road but they did go face to face on Tuesday night, as Craig Bellamy maintained his unbeaten start to life as Wales manager – but only by the skin of his teeth.

James was a livewire throughout, as Wales were the better side despite being away from home. But they could not force their way through a stubborn North Macedonia defence, Alioski impressing on the left.

Then, a rare mistake from Joe Allen saw former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski on 91 minutes. In crazy scenes, David Brooks equalised on 96 minutes – with James playing little over the hour mark for Wales.

Wales Online gave their verdict on James’ performance against Alioski, handing him only a 6/10: “Worked so hard all night, but just couldn’t find the final ball needed to make something happen. Subbed.”

A good international break for Dan James, and Leeds needed it

James has set himself incredibly high standards over the last two seasons. The February Player of the Month in the Championship, James has had a hand in 19 goals this season – scoring 10 goals himself.

But it is fair to say that James’ form has coincided with Leeds winning only one of the last four, failing to replicate his best form. So, Daniel Farke will have been delighted when he scored against Kazakhstan.

On Tuesday, James was rested for the final third of the match and that will surely see the Wales star return to Thorp Arch nice and fresh ahead of facing his old club Swansea on Saturday, the first of the last eight.

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