OPINION
Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has had a bit of a sticky patch of form recently, so it is no surprise that he has received a chunk of backlash from the majority of the fanbase.
The same applies to his performance in the 2-1 win over Bolton on Saturday, where many supporters slammed him yet again, but to be honest, it is hard to see why that was the case.
The 27-year-old definitely turned a corner against the Wanderers – he offered a lot more in attack and he linked up rather well with Pablo Hernandez down the right flank, all signs that he is starting to find his form again after a bad period in January and most of February.
He certainly kept the pressure on in the second half, and this proved vital in helping Ezgjan Alioski score in the 68th minute to ensure the Whites of all three points.
Fingers crossed that he maintains this high standard of form for the remainder of the season, as Leeds simply cannot afford for him to start slacking after stepping up a level.
He is a capable defender who has shown many times this season that he is capable of doing great things, but it seems like a lack of confidence got the better of him earlier on this year and he went on to have a rather dismal run of games.
However, that all changed on Saturday, and he proved that he is simply undroppable for Marcelo Bielsa for the rest of the season.
He is the best option that Leeds currently have at right-back, so the need for him to be at the top of his game is absolutely paramount at the moment.
Either way, he looked a different player against Bolton – and this has come at just the right time for the Whites.