Michael Bridges names Luke Ayling in Team of the Season
Former Leeds United attacker Michael Bridges has named Luke Ayling in his Premier League Team of the Season.
The Leeds right-back has been one of the unsung heroes of Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season, starting every game for the Whites.
Bielsa is known to make his players versatile, and Ayling is one of the Leeds players to have completely bought into his philosophy. He’s done a brilliant job at centre-back as well this season.
There are very few people who would have Ayling in their Team of the Season, despite his performances this term.
However, Bridges defended selecting the Englishman and it didn’t appear to be a biased opinion.
On the Optus Sport GegenPod, Bridges said, “35 matches this season, (Ayling has) played every game.
“Ayling has come from the lower divisions and made a career, worked his way through, a bit like Jamie Vardy has done.
“Bielsa has given the opportunity in the Championship, the work rate this kid puts in from the full-back position is incredible and he’s taken to the Premier League like you wouldn’t believe.
“I’m an ambassador for Leeds United, I don’t know Ayling personally, but I just think he has been absolutely incredible.”
Phenomenal campaign
Ayling is one of Bielsa’s trusted henchmen who has carried out from where he left off in the Championship.
The occasion never seems to faze him as he’s so calm and composed on the ball and without the ball, he’s a nightmare to play against.
It comes as no surprise that Ayling has made more tackles than any other Premier League player this season (99).
He’s known for his attacking runs and crosses into the box, but the defensive side to his game is highly underrated.
In November, Jamie Carragher termed one of his defensive masterclasses ‘absolutely brilliant’. [The Focus]
One could argue his case for Team of the Season as Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo have both been alternated and haven’t started the number of games as Ayling has.
And they’re also playing for a Manchester City side with world class players in every position while Ayling has had to do the dirty work in a newly promoted side
Trent Alexander Arnold has shown glimpses of his true quality but has been inconsistent. The same can be said about Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Vladimir Like Ayling, one could also make a case for Vladimir Coufal.
That being said, there’s no denying that Ayling has been one of the division’s best right-backs and an important reason why we’re in the top half of the table.
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