Leeds United have to harness Luke Ayling’s spirit for run ahead of mooted summer replacement
Leeds United must make the most of what could be the end of Luke Ayling’s run as a key member of the first team between now and the end of the season.
The 30-year-old was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most trusted lieutenants and has been a crucial performer for the Whites since his arrival from Bristol City in 2016.
He has paid back his £200,000 transfer many times over, but is one of the current squad who at risk of replacement in what is set to be a considerable overhaul in the summer.
Phil Hay said last week on his podcast: “I think, like with a few others, he’s probably going to come under consideration now about what needs to happen in the summer.
“On the basis of this season, using cold hard facts, what needs to change?”
He has been forced to lead the side in more ways than one during major struggles this season.
Injury to captain Liam Cooper has meant him wearing the armband as the team slipped towards relegation and saw Bielsa removed.
And the additional absences of key senior figures Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford have heaped responsibility on the right-back as the squad struggled for fitness and confidence.
Go out with a bang
He has not been at his best in these circumstances but the win at Wolves shows his desire remains undiminished.
He played a crucial role in both goals that drew United level from 2-0 down, before he almost single handedly won the game in injury time when he kept the ball alive from a deep cross, then recovered to smash in the winner.
Although Bamford has been ruled out for at least the best part of the remaining games, both Phillips and Cooper are due to return at long last.
Freed of some of the responsibility he has needed to shoulder while the others were missing, Jesse Marsch should harness the fight Ayling exhibited Molineux.
The all-action display should be the blueprint for the rest of his season, which could surely help secure Premier League survival sooner rather than later.
If this is to be his last hurrah in a Whites shirt he is likely to make it a memorable one.
A role off the bench could be on the cards for next season, but while he is out there every week he can help rescue a rough season and set up a positive short-term future.
In other Leeds United news, a billionaire-backed Premier League rival is reportedly set to sell one star in order to line up a move for a replacement from Elland Road.