‘Top notch’ – Journalist claims Leeds ace has ‘narrative angle’ in bid for POTY award
Leeds Live journalist Joe Mewis has looked into the Leeds United players who are currently in the running for the Player of the Year award at Elland Road.
The reliable journalist has included Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Kalvin Phillips, Mateusz Klich and Jack Harrison in his list for the prestigious trophy.
Leeds went into the coronavirus suspension top of the Championship, but that seemed unlikely after a poor run in February left the squad shellshocked.
Ayling, in particular, looked devastated in interviews and Mewis has claimed that his return to form gives him a different narrative in the hunt for the player award this season.
The 28-year-old has scored three in his last five from defence and has spearheaded the Whites forward towards five consecutive wins with clean sheets.
“Has made a late surge for the award in recent weeks after he developed a brilliant habit of scoring stunning opening goals,” he wrote.
“His defensive contributions have been top-notch and he remains one of the best-attacking full-backs in the league under Bielsa.
“There’s also the narrative angle, given how much Ayling’s shellshocked interview after the Nottingham Forest defeat hit home among the fanbase. The contrast between that and his air guitar celebration against Huddersfield have been two of the defining images of the campaign.”
Ayling has certainly stepped up in the past month and would deserve the award if it was handed to him at this very moment.
The defender’s last six games have been some of his most impressive since joining the Whites. Ayling has completed a combined total of 31 tackles and interceptions according to WhoScored – something he managed in 12 previous fixtures.
On top of that, he clearly found his attacking streak. Outside of his three goals, Ayling also had 12 shots on goal in his last six outings, which is seriously impressive for a right-back.
There are many names in the running for the award at Elland Road, but no one would complain should Ayling get his hands on the silverware.
In other Leeds United news, Journalist comments on this potential Bielsa signing could leave fans salivating