Leeds United’s director of football Victor Orta has raved about defender Luke Ayling after he signed a new deal on Thursday morning.
The 26-year-old penned a new four year deal with the Whites that will keep him at Elland Road until 2021.
He has become an integral part of Thomas Christiansen’s side this season and has played in every minute of the Championship.
The right-back has cemented his position in the starting XI and even captained the side on several occasions.
Orta has been impressed with Ayling and has predicted that he will end up in the top flight if he continues with the same attitude.
“Luke has impressed on the pitch but also off the pitch too,” Orta said, as quoted by the club’s official website.
“He is a leader and a very good person as well, I believe that if he continues to improve the way he has in the past 18 months, then he will be a top flight footballer and I am confident we can go on that journey together.
Ayling has become a firm favourite since his arrival in 2016 from Bristol City and has already racked up 58 appearances for the Yorkshire giants.
The full-back will hope to play a key role in helping the Whites obtain promotion this season as they look to get back to the Premier League.
However, Leeds have lost their last three consecutive games in the league and have slipped down to sixth in the Championship table.
They will be looking for a response on Saturday when they travel to Ayling’s former team Bristol City.
OPINION
Ayling has been the most consistent member of the Leeds team since he arrived and is fully deserving of a new improved contract. The defender rarely dips below a 7/10 and will play a major role if the Whites are to achieve promotion. Orta believes that he is destined to play in the top flight and his consistency in the Championship suggests he could make the step up. Ayling failed to make the breakthrough at Arsenal’s academy as a youngster and it would be a fitting tribute if he ends up in the Premier League after his hard work in the lower leagues.