Luke Ayling spot at Leeds United under threat after transfer development, journalist suggests
Luke Ayling could lose his place in the Leeds United starting lineup following the arrival of Djed Spence, according to Dean Jones.
Speaking to GiveMeSport on 6 September, the former Eurosport journalist said the stick the 32-year-old defender has been receiving “seems harsh” based on what he’s done for the club.
He added that following the arrival of Spence from Tottenham, the 23-year-old loanee is going to be expecting to be a starter under Daniel Farke at Elland Road this season.
“I feel like Leeds are finding it hard, at the moment, what to expect from the team,” said Jacobs.
“You see people like Ayling getting quite a bit of stick, which seems harsh based on everything he’s done for Leeds. He’s got to try not to let that get to him.
“But with Spence coming in, you would imagine he’s doing that to get a regular starting berth.”
Let battle commence
There is no doubt that Spence will have joined Leeds expecting to be a regular starter, but that doesn’t mean Ayling is destined for a place on the bench.
While the right-back hasn’t had the best start to the season, he is capable of being a good defender in the Championship and the place in the lineup is still currently his to lose.
The defender has shown in his seven years at the club since joining from Bristol City that he is up for a fight and he won’t roll over and give in.
But Spence looked bright when he came off the bench to make his debut in the draw against Sheffield Wednesday and he will back himself to earn a place in the side.
With the Whites potentially looking to sign him on a permanent basis further down the line, they will be keen to ensure he gets plenty of minutes this season so they can make a proper judgement on him.
In other Leeds United news, one player shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting lineup despite a recent admission.