Elland Road, East Stand
Elland Road, East Stand, from outside. Credit: Mtaylor
Posted inLeeds United History Leeds United News

Ranking the Tomfoolery: My Greatest Alioski Hits At Leeds United

Crikey, we’ve had some characters at Elland Road over the years haven’t we? Surely though, none have been as lovable as our Gjanni.

I remember when we first signed him – he was one of a clutch of new foreign faces, though one that actually had a bit of an impact. A handful of assists and goals in his first few games and I thought, “ay up, we might actually have a player on our hands ‘ere”.

It seems strange now to think we actually brought him in as a winger and I did wonder how much of a part he would have to play when Bielsa came in – that’s probably true for most of us. Though, I guess we needed a left-back and Alioski answered.

Well, he didn’t half, did he? It kind of became hard not to love the guy – especially for what he did on the pitch, but his character and infectious personality won us all over.

I think also, a lot more than others that have graced the Elland Road dressing room over the years, his impact was such that he contributed in our return to the promised land after so long in the wilderness.

Every dressing room needs a joker as well and you really couldn’t take your eyes off him for a minute. He even had his own Twitter handle – ‘Gjannicam’!

There’s that many incidents, though I’ve gone through some of what are probably everyone else’s best memories of him below.

Blowing Kisses To Cardboard Fans

You’ve gotta admit, this was pretty hilarious, but at the same time, you could also say there was some heartfelt meaning behind it as well. It was during COVID-19 when games were being played behind closed doors, he blew kisses to all the cardboard cut-outs of fans in the crowd after he scored. Comedy gold.

Matchmaker Or Mischief-maker?

Many of you might not have seen this, but in response to a Twitter post from Kalvin Phillips who was injured and basically saying he was gutted to not be with the team, Pascal Struijk responded with a heart emoji. I mean, as if someone like Gjanni needed much more ammunition here. His quick quip read “Do you love him?” to which thousands could see!

Public Bromance With Pablo

In an EFL against Aston Villa, during the first half, Gjanni was captured leaning over, hands on his knees in front of Pablo Hernandez. I suppose perfectly alright, up until the point where he looks to scratch his nose on Pablo’s shirt. Yep, you couldn’t make it up and, here’s the proof!

Winding Up Shackleton

Before a match in October 2020, the team were in the tunnel waiting to go out and warm up and it looks like Shacks is doing some stretches but Gjanni is captured annoying him to the point where he gets wound up. I think that was game, set and match to Gjanni!

Banter With The Fans

Eyes were always on Gjanni when he was with the team, especially when fans were involved and this occasion in 2020 was no different. He and the players high-fived a number of fans as they came into the stadium and instead, Gjanni pulls on one kid’s scarf, gesturing to him to join them. You’ve just gotta love him haven’t you?! Anyway, ALAW!

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