Eddie Gray comments on Leeds pair Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling

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Eddie Gray has told LUTV that the two players who have impressed him most during Leeds United’s winning run have been Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have more reason than most to want the season to continue at some stage in the future. They sit seven points clear of the play-off places in the Championship after a stunning recent run.

Leeds have won five games in a row, scoring nine and conceding none. Their latest victory sent them back to the top of the table, and it was also the win that saw Ayling add his third goal in the recent run.

The right-back has broken the deadlock in all three of the games in which he has scored. Meanwhile, Dallas has continued to look like a player of the season contender on the other flank.

‘The best football he’s played’

And with the current break providing an opportunity for clubs, players and fans to take stock of what has gone on this term and may be to come, Whites legend Gray made a big claim about the Leeds pair’s recent form.

“The two players that have impressed me most – you always talk about Pablo [Hernandez], and your creative players – but the two players I think that have got on top of their game and are driving the team on are the two full-backs: Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas,” he told LUTV.

“I think Stuart Dallas is playing the best football he’s played since he came to this club. I think Stuart’s suited to that position, coming from behind the play.

“I know he started as a wide player, he’s played in midfield. But to me, his best position is either playing at left-back, right-back or right wing-back or left wing-back.”

TBR View – Remarkable how many are stepping up

Ayling and Dallas deserve enormous praise for their recent performances. But what has been so impressive about Leeds lately is how many of the pair’s teammates have also rediscovered their best form.

Liam Cooper has led by example, particularly since scoring the equaliser at Brentford. Kalvin Phillips has proved a point after being sent off at Queens Park Rangers.

Pablo Hernandez is producing the magic without arguably being at his best. And Jack Harrison has been frightening at times.

If those players can pick up where they left off if the season resumes, it is difficult to see anyone stopping Leeds gaining promotion.