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Pundit: Rasmus Kristensen has no chance of replacing Luke Ayling as Leeds United first-choice right-back
Rasmus Kristensen will never be able to replace Luke Ayling as the first-choice right-back at Leeds, according to ex-England defender Paul Parker.
The Whites signed Denmark international Kristensen in the summer from Red Bull Salzburg to replace Ayling in the side, but the veteran defender has since won his place back in the side and limited the playing time of the 25-year-old.
But speaking to Spilxperten (15 March), Parker believes that Ayling’s status as a “cult hero” at Elland Road plus his good form means Kristensen won’t ever replace him as the starting right-back.
“I don’t think that Rasmus Kristensen has a chance to play instead of Ayling,” he said. “At all.
“Luke Ayling is a fan favourite, they really love him at Elland Road. He is their captain and after an injury and time on the bench, he is now back and has performed tremendously.
“I don’t think that Kristensen is a bad player. Actually, I think he’s pretty good, but he’s not better than Ayling. I’m not trying to be disrespectful, but he’s not going to bench Luke Ayling. Never in my life.
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“Ayling is a cult figure in Leeds and on that basis Kristensen is going to put up a fight as long as he is in Yorkshire. Unless Ayling makes a fool of himself, Rasmus Kristensen will not play. He is really going to fight.”
Harsh
Kristensen started the season really well after his move to the Premier League and initially did displace Ayling, even keeping him out of the team after his return from injury.
But with Leeds struggling for results, Jesse Marsch opted to bring back some experienced heads to the team and Ayling’s performances ever since have meant that he has kept his shirt.
The results haven’t improved much since Marsch’s departure and Javi Gracia came into the club, but Ayling has been continuing his own good form personally.
Once that level drops down eventually, Kristensen is a more than ready and willing candidate to step in and replace him, and keep the level of performance high.
Right now he just has to bide his time and wait for that opportunity to come, but fans are behind him and trust that if given the chance in the team he will take it with both hands.
In other Leeds news, Simon Jordan has shared his relegation verdict live on talkSPORT after the draw with Brighton.
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