OPINION
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has struggled in recent weeks and he should be axed from the starting XI after the international break.
The 26-year-old right-back has been a mainstay in the team this season, but has been caught out of position on several occasions during the club’s poor run of form.
The Yorkshire giants have lost six of their last seven league games and manager Thomas Christiansen must make some big changes to his side ahead of the next game at home to Middlesbrough.
Dropping Ayling from the starting line up would leave a full-back position up for grabs and Leeds warrior Gaetano Berardi is the perfect candidate to take up the role.
The fan favourite is renowned for his no-nonsense approach and tough tackling, something which makes him a nightmare for attackers when he is on form.
Berardi, 29, has had to make do with appearances at left-back for most of the campaign, but switching him back to his preferred right-back slot would bring the best out of him.
The Swiss defender has shown in the past he can be a very reliable pair of hands in the back-line and now deserves a run of games in his best position.
Ayling’s spot in the team can’t be guaranteed anymore given his considerable drop-off and manager Christiansen now needs to make some personnel changes.
Berardi already has the full backing of the Elland Road faithful and could play a big role in helping them rediscover their defensive resilience.
Leeds should use a back four of Berardi, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper and Cameron Borthwick Jackson moving forward as they look to rediscover their best form.