Luke Ayling’s mentality and background have been praised by Leeds United manager Daniel Farke.
Speaking to Leeds Live, the Whites manager claims that Ayling has a “massive” influence on the players.
He also adores how “on fire” the Elland Road captain is for every game, even friendly contests.
Ayling has been an important contributor for the new Leeds manager, appearing in each of their team’s seven Championship games so far this year.
In addition, the 32-year-old has served as captain for all league games this season aside from the opening contest.
“So crucial”
Midweek against Hull City, Ayling was involved in an incident that left Farke unimpressed with the referees.
The Leeds veteran was removed from the game on Wednesday night for obstructing the return of the match ball when it was thrown in. He received a yellow card as a result.
Farke claimed he got into a fight with the fourth official for making Ayling circle the field when he could have simply walked to the dugouts without drawing jeers from the home crowd. Farke said, “I told him listen, if it goes on for another ten seconds, add ten more.” “But don’t let him run around the entire stadium, receive a lot of abuse from the opposing team’s fans, and receive a yellow card as a result.
“Sorry. It makes no sense. He said he probably made a mistake, ‘I totally agree’. Yes, but we can’t argue against this yellow card.”
Earlier on in the press conference, Farke said: “Luke’s influence on the group is massive and you can’t overrate it because it’s so important.
“Even if it’s a friendly he’s on fire and I love this mentality. He brings this mentality into the dressing room.”
Our view
Ayling has been a stalwart for Leeds for a number of years now and it’s good to see him still impress on the pitch and in the dressing room.
With Leeds now in the Championship, they’ll need fighters to help drag them over the line in each game and over the course for the season.
The likelihood is Ayling will play against Watford. He could keep his place on the right as Sam Byram returns to the left after his midweek break.
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