Luke Ayling ‘vital’ for Leeds United promotion hopes following major club changes
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Luke Ayling is “vital” at getting Leeds United out of the Championship with his understanding of the club’s fabric and his leadership qualities, according to Paul Robinson.
Despite a poor season in the relegation-ending Premier League season, Ayling has doubled down on his dedication to the club [LeedsLive] and, even if he is not a regular starter, is set to have an influential role in the dressing room.
Ayling is entering his eighth season at Elland Road, most of which he spent in the second division, so his experience will be vital considering the significant changes at Leeds following relegation, being taken over and having a new manager.
Robinson claims the 31-year-old will be integral next season both on and off the pitch.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “I think Ayling is a vital member of the squad. Regardless of where he plays, I think his experience, his quality and his experience of getting out of the Championship.
“He knows the Championship and understands that league, having played in it before.
“I think he’s one of the leaders, which is one of the things that Leeds lacked last year when Liam Cooper was out injured.
“We know that Luke was out for a while last year. Leadership qualities, voices on the pitch, voices in the dressing room – Luke gives you that.
“Regardless of whether he plays it right-back or at centre-half, he’s going to be a key member of the squad and the starting 11 next year. He’s an integral member of the football club.
“He understands the football club, there is going to be a huge turnover of players and we’ve not seen it yet, but I suspect there will be between now and the end of the window.
“But people like Ayling and Cooper who understand Leeds United are very, very integral into bringing new players into the squad and letting people understand what Leeds United is about and the whole ethos of the club.
“I think he still has quality and still has so much more to give on the pitch as well.“
In other Leeds United news, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Elland Road’s latest target is close to completing a move.