Pontus Jansson hailed Leeds United teammate Luke Ayling on Twitter as the “heart of the team” following his 100th appearance for the club in their 2-1 win over Swansea on Wednesday night.
Ayling was slammed by many United fans on social media after clumsily conceding the late penalty that gave Swansea hope of preventing the hosts securing all three points at Elland Road.
But, responding to the right-back’s tweet expressed his pride at the 100-game landmark, Jansson insisisted “this team is nothing without this man”, pointing out “the spirit you create” and “unbelievable” attitude.
I’ve said it so many times, this team is nothing without this man. The spirit you creat and to also have you there standing up for your mates is unbelievable. Congrats Luke! You are the heart of the team! ????
— Pontus Jansson (@PJansson5) February 14, 2019
OPINION
Ayling has taken it in the neck in recent weeks following a series of sloppy performances that have led to many supporters calling for his head. That is part and parcel of being a first-team regular at an elite club, especially when promotion is on the line and the margins are so fine. Credit to Jansson to sticking up for Ayling so vocally, which the right-back is certainly likely to appreciate given that some of the recent social media comments have been less than complimentary. The Sweden international will know better than most the value of Ayling behind the scenes and in the dressing room, as well as out on the pitch. It is a measure of the former Bristol City man’s consistency that he has been a first choice of all four of the Leeds managers he’s played under – Garry Monk, Thomas Christiansen, Paul Heckingbottom and now Marcelo Bielsa. That said, he has been well below par of late, and has been pretty fortunate that Bielsa only tends to wield the axe when he has no choice but to do so.