Leeds’ mediocre start to the season hasn’t exactly given Elland Road supporters cause for optimism.
The Whites have only earned one victory in their first five games of the season, leaving them in 15th place with just five points. The failure to defeat the bottom-of-the-table Sheffield Wednesday at home last weekend has added to the irritation in the west Yorkshire city.
Luke Ayling is one of the underperforming players who could be shipped out in order to improve the team. Late window additions to the lineup like Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, and Djed Spence have threatened to push the club to the top tiers of the league.
How has Luke Ayling performed for Leeds United so far this season?
Ayling’s campaign hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts, according to SofaScore. The 32-year-old had a respectable first game against Cardiff City, but in his four games since then, he has only received ratings of 7.0, 7.2, 6.7, and 7.1, which may not be as good as he would have expected after spending three seasons competing in the Premier League against some of the finest players in the world.
Compared to Ayling, who played for 80 minutes, Spence entered the game for just 10 minutes and won five of his six duels against the Owls. All of his passes were accurate as well.
Ayling is undoubtedly a stronger defensive full-back than Spence, but given how Max Aarons performed under Daniel Farke, and given that the German favours aggressive styles, Ayling’s playing time may decrease under the German.
What has been said regarding Luke Ayling’s season debut?
Ayling’s days may be numbered, according to Kris Smith, a Leeds United supporter on FLW, especially in light of the arrival of Djed Spence at Elland Road. Is Luke Ayling going to start? Smith asked. I believe that he is currently experiencing the reverse. He has had significant defensive issues in every game we have played so far this season.
“One of the top full-backs in the league is now waiting for his moment to shine for us. In just one take-on less than Ayling had completed all season, Died Spence played 10 minutes off the bench for Sheffield Wednesday, demonstrating exactly what he will add to the team. He can outrun any player in this division by carrying the ball.
“I think his defensive credentials are something that people might question given his time in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough, but his weekend recovery to stop Josh Windass – which would’ve been 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday – has already won the fans over in that regard,” said the author.
“I think right now, despite Ayling being a great servant for us, it’s an absolute no-brainer that we drop him for him.”