‘Phenomenal’: Dominic Matteo wowed by Leeds defender who’s ‘improved so much’

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Leeds United legend Dominic Matteo has described Luke Ayling as “phenomenal” in wake of his impressive performances for Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites this season.

The 29-year-old has played every single minute of Premier League action for Leeds this term and has been crucial in the Whites’ impressive start to the season.

Indeed, Ayling has arguably been one of Leeds’ most consistent players in the past few years and has gone from strength to strength alongside the club.

The defender – a right-back by trade – also showed great versatility as he played at centre-back in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa last week.

“We could talk about any of the players after such an impressive performance but Luke Ayling has just been phenomenal so far this season,” Matteo wrote in the Yorkshire Evening Post. “It’s almost the tone he sets and the attitude he brings.

“He gets stuck in but he is very balanced in what he does. I think the player that he was a couple of seasons ago, maybe he would’ve been making a few more rash tackles and going to ground a lot more, but his decision making has improved so much.

“When we talk about playing at the highest level that is one of the most important aspects. With the injuries ahead of the game he had to really guide Leeds through and his clearance off the line just summed him up. The highest praise you can give at the moment is that wherever he plays he doesn’t look out of place.”

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Ayling has enjoyed a sensational rise at Elland Road since his reported £200,000 move from Bristol City in 2016, improving with each passing season, and while he’s not caught the spotlight as much as some of his teammates, he is a crucial member of Bielsa’s setup.

With his contract taking him to 2023, there’s plenty more to come from him and the rest of the team, who have hit the ground running this season and look set for a bright future back in the top flight.