Leeds United defender Luke Ayling scored a spectacular volley during Saturday’s Yorkshire derby and it appears it’s something he has been working on in training. Following the 28-year-old’s wonder-strike, the club released some footage of him from the training ground running into the penalty area and volleying the ball ferociously into the back of the net (via Twitter).
The Whites went on to win Saturday’s game 2-0 and as a result, moved to the top of the Championship ahead of Slaven Bilic’s West Bromwich Albion. How did the fans react to the realisation that Ayling’s goal was something straight off the training ground?
Is Ayling Leeds United's most-improved player this season?
Yes
No
@lukeayling_8 is on fire!! Best RB in the league
— James (@jimmy_L_UFC) March 7, 2020
— Billy ? (@BillyLUFC7) March 7, 2020
What a goal but I am so chuffed to see all the lads playing with such confidence, they all look like they are loving football and Leeds right now and it’s a beautiful thing to see!
— Paul Longmate (@Paul_Longmate) March 7, 2020
Unreal
— Dan (@dantheleedsfan) March 7, 2020
Insane! What a player ?
— Adam Clarke (@AdamClarke19) March 7, 2020
No way.
— James Hollingworth (@JimmyHol84) March 7, 2020
Premier League Worthy!!!
— Mick? (@Mickandu) March 7, 2020
What do we think?
Luke Ayling has been Leeds United’s most consistent performer this season. According to WhoScored.com, the former Bristol City player leads the way in terms of the squad’s average performance ratings. It currently stands at an impressive 7.31/10 and you can therefore see why the fans have grown so attached to the £2.7m-rated defender.