Adam Pope lauds ‘Huge’ Daniel Farke call as Simon Rix moots bad news for Luke Ayling after Leeds United snub
Daniel Farke’s decision to use Archie Gray at right-back in Leeds United’s win over Bristol City is “bad” for Luke Ayling, says Simon Rix.
The 17-year-old got the nod out of position despite Ayling being available as Daniel James and Joel Piroe goals earned the Whites all three points at Elland Road
And while appearing on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast (9 October), Rix admitted that he felt it was not good news for the experienced right-back with BBC journalist Adam Pope acknowledging that it was a “huge” call from the manager.
“I think it’s bad for Ayling,” Rix said.
“If you’re in a position where there’s no left-backs or right-backs available and you play someone out of position then fair dos.
“But if you’ve got an experienced right-back, who can play, and you play someone else instead, then it’s a little… I don’t know. It’s a big test for the managerial nous of Farke but I think Ayling is behind Djed Spece when he returns, Shackleton, maybe Byram if there’s someone else on the left, and now Gray.
“That’s a lot of players that can play ahead of him isn’t it.”
Adam Pope then added that it was a “huge call” but praised Farke for sticking to his guns.
Bad
Ayling is a hero at Elland Road and he is hugely popular among both fans and players at the club, but there is no doubt that he isn’t quite as good as he was at the peak of his career.
He has lost half a yard of pace, defensively he isn’t as focused or reliable as he used to be and there are better options right now.
Many questioned the decision to allow Cody Drameh to leave considering he has a long-term future in the game and Ayling is at the back-end of his career, and once Djed Spence is fit again he will surely be the first-choice option.
But with Farke proving that he has plenty of options to play at right-back without Ayling, and with his contract set to expire at the end of the season anyway, it could spell the end of his time at Elland Road.
It will be interesting to see if Gray’s switch to right-back was a one-off or if his performance has convinced Farke to make it a more regular thing, but Ayling will surely be watching on carefully.
In other Leeds news, journalist staggered by what Leeds star did in win over Bristol City.