Leeds United should turn to Luke Ayling for ‘big moments’ in their relegation battle
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth believes Leeds United should turn to defender Luke Ayling to help them in “big moments” in their relegation battle.
Ayling has been at the club since 2016 after winning the League One title with Bristol City.
The Leeds’ defender has been part of some magical moments at Elland Road over the years and has been tasked to deliver more by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth.
Writing on Thursday morning, Smyth said: “Leeds are in a desperate fight for their top-flight status and, all of a sudden, look a little gunned and out manoeuvred and, when you’re in the trenches, you want men like Ayling next to you.”
He added: “It’s moments in which he has proved himself a leader.
“When he stormed the length of the pitch to make the Pablo Hernandez goal that all-but sealed promotion, or when he pretty much played as a winger against the 10 men of Wolves and had a hand in all three goals.”
Ayling’s influence
One thing is certain, Luke Ayling will not want to return to the Championship after years and years of struggle and heartache it took to get Leeds and himself there on a personal level.
Leeds are one of the few clubs that probably have a right to be in the Premier League.
They have the fanbase, they have an iconic stadium, and they are dripping in history.
If they were to fall back into England’s second tier it would be a massive sucker-punch to everyone involved with the Club.
Ayling has scored eight goals over nearly six years with the club and has been a constant under various managers and styles of play.
He has shown his ability to adapt and come up with a big moment every now and then.
None more iconic than his volley against Huddersfield in March 2020.
The Whites will be praying for another remarkable moment from their ponytailed defender to help their ever-worsening relegation fight.
In other Leeds United news, Richard Keys has shared his relegation view on the Whites after the latest twist in the Premier League.