OPINION
Luke Ayling produced a much-needed impressive display when everything fell into place for Leeds United against West Brom in their outstanding team performance last Friday.
But that does not mean the right-back is back in form or set for an extended spell of something like his spell in the early months of the campaign,
The 27-year-old has emerged as the weakest link in the Leeds defence, and the player most likely to let the team down in tomorrow’s (Saturday) Championship showdown against Bristol City.
Ayling is a willing and committed full-back, a player who never gives anything less than his best, or does anything other than put the team’s needs first.
His defensive ability in his own box, including clearing danger at the back post, makes him an asset.
Yet, he is also the least capable of playing in the system implemented by Marcelo Bielsa this season, where the onus is on blowing sides away with a front-foot style that demands technical adeptness and ball retention.
Ayling was at his best in the backs-to-the-wall Garry Monk style of two seasons ago, when Leeds were set up to get the best out of goal machine Chris Wood.
Bielsa demands greater nuance and subtlety, and building up from the back does not suit Ayling, who has looked nervous and trembly in possession for much of the last three months.
Tomorrow, his direct opponent will be Callum O’Dowda, the Bristol City winger who Leeds were strongly linked with signing in January.
It will present a real test of Ayling’s defensive ability as well as his chances to create chances on the overlap.
Leeds will be hopeful Ayling can build on his display against West Brom, but that would be a surprise.
Sadly, he’s more likely to be a liability. Again.