Luke Ayling boasts the best dribble success rate outside the Premier League top six
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has impressed in his debut Premier League season and he has outperformed many stars with his dribbling stats.
Gareth Southgate said he has kept a close eye on the right-back recently and was considering an England call-up for the 29-year-old.
Ayling did not receive that honour but he deserves considerable praise for his efforts this year.
He has been solid at the back despite never playing in the top-flight before, and he has not been afraid to maraud forward too – just as he did in the Championship.
Raphinha has received a number of plaudits this term but Ayling provides a base for the Brazilian to excel on the right-flank.
And interestingly, Ayling has outperformed his teammate in successful dribbles this term.
In fact, outside of the top six teams, Ayling ranks as the best in the league for successful dribbles, completing 35 of 46 attempted dribbles – equivalent to 76%, per The Other 14.
That ranks him above the likes of Jack Grealish and Allan Saint-Maximin, two players renowned for their ability to take the ball past opponents.
No other Leeds player ranks in the top 20 in that department, which highlights just how good Ayling has been.
His willingness to run with the ball makes us much more dynamic out wide and means opponents cannot simply focus on stopping Raphinha.
We lack that on the left-flank and that is why signing a left-back has to be a priority in the summer – finding a full-back like Ayling is the way to go.
He has been effective in defence, too, achieving 2.7 tackles per game and only being dribbled past an average of 1.1 times per 90 minutes [WhoScored].
Against Chelsea last week he came up against Hakim Ziyech and Mason Mount but the pair got no joy whatsoever.
If he continues this form Ayling could force his way into Southgate’s plans, and that would be a worthy reward for everything he has given at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Ally McCoist has shared his thoughts on Patrick Bamford missing out on the England squad.