BBC pundit takes issues with ‘unfair’ criticism aimed at Leeds outfield mainstay
BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan has hit back at those who have criticised Luke Ayling for his recent performances for Leeds United.
Ayling, 28, has been regularly blasted for his form over the last couple of weeks as Marcelo Bielsa’s side has failed to win in their last three outings.
On Boxing Day, a section of supporters were quick to rip into the former Bristol City right-back for his first-half display against Preston North End.
Ayling misplaced a number of passes against Preston and really struggled to offer much attacking support down the right-flank with Helder Costa.
Although it was definitely a sub-par display by Ayling – and most of his team-mates – ex-Leeds striker Whelan has jumped to the defender’s defence.
“I don’t think Luke has really hit the heights of what we’ve seen as well,” Whelan told Football Insider.
“He’s still finding that kind of nines and tens in those performances. He’s probably giving us eights and sevens at the minute.
“I think there’s a lot of players where there’s more in them as well so I think it’s unfair to single one person out because he had a good game in one of the last games that he played. He seems to be getting better, more like himself.”
No one should be immune to criticism but Ayling is definitely someone who becomes a bit of a scapegoat at times among sections of Leeds supporters.
However on Boxing Day, there is no way that people should not be allowed to voice their concerns about the 28-year-old right-back.
According to stats by WhoScored, Ayling completed just 72 per cent of his passes, which was the worst out of all Leeds players who featured.
He may have been credited with the assist for Stuart Dallas’ equaliser but most of the credit for that goal should go down to the deflection Dallas’ shot took before beating the goalkeeper.
Ayling needs to improve but to single him out would be ignoring the fact that too many Leeds players have underperformed in the last couple of weeks.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has reacted to Jack Clarke’s return to Tottenham.