Luke Ayling’s quiet return to form is massive for Leeds

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Luke Ayling is someone that is going under the radar a little at Elland Road right now, but his re-emergence over the last month has been a real boost.

The 28-year-old missed the start of the campaign through injury and his first senior appearance wasn’t until a cameo against West Brom on 1 October.

He’s played every league minute since to help the Whites pick up eight points from their next five games, which means they sit third in the Championship table as it stands.

Kiko Casilla and Ben White have been earning plaudits for the Yorkshire club’s impressive defensive record, while going forward it’s the likes of Jack Harrison and Eddie Nketiah impressing.

But Ayling is definitely a big favourite of manager Marcelo Bielsa and it looks like if he’s fit he plays.

Ayling is an attack-minded right-back that brings great experience to the Leeds team and his versatility has also seen him shine recently.

He’s effortlessly slotted into a back three at centre-back, which is where he’s excelled next to White and captain Liam Cooper.

Ayling was brilliant in the win over QPR at the weekend by distributing the ball from the back and he helps link up play from deep.

He gets so much possession and is defensively solid on top of that, which makes him such a vital figure at Elland Road.

Leeds fans should be delighted that Ayling is now back as a permanent figure in the backline with his consistency and he definitely makes the XI stronger.