Marcelo Bielsa makes claim about Leeds right-back Luke Ayling

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Marcelo Bielsa has suggested – in comments reported by Leeds Live – that Luke Ayling is one of the Leeds United players who has shone most this season as he was asked about the right-back being linked with a potential England call-up.

The Guardian has reported that Gareth Southgate is considering including Ayling in his latest squad ahead of this month’s World Cup qualifiers.

It comes with the 29-year-old enjoying a hugely impressive first year in the Premier League. He is one of three players within the Leeds squad who has started every single game this term.

Bielsa was keen to stress that he will not comment on whether a player should be called up by another manager. But he did outline just how impressive the defender has been.

“He’s one of the players that has shone the most in our team,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live.

“He’s a player that can play out wide or in the centre. In a back four or in a back three. He has the capacity to attack and has a good aerial game.

“He has a good management of the ball in terms of combination and the first pass. All of this analysis, anyone who watches him regularly can make. I’m only describing the resources that he has.”

It is remarkable to recall the journey Ayling has been on at Elland Road. Leeds paid just £750,000 to sign him from Bristol City in 2016 (fee reported by the Daily Mail).

He has since made 172 league appearances for the Whites, including 28 in the top flight. And while his form has dipped on a couple of occasions, it seems impossible to argue with Bielsa’s claim about his form.

It would be incredible for Ayling if a first international call-up did come this week. But it would also prove yet another step in the right direction for Leeds as a club.