Speaking to Leeds United’s official website, Luke Ayling has admitted that since his move to Elland Road, he believes he has been in the form of his career.
Ayling joined Leeds from Bristol City ahead of the 2016/17 campaign, with the defender making a major impact in the Sky Bet Championship last season under Garry Monk, making 43 appearances for the Whites, who finished seventh.
The 26-year-old has continued to impress at Elland Road, and this year, remains the only ever-present player in Thomas Christiansen’s squad. Ayling has featured on 15 occasions across all competitions, missing just 20 minutes of first-team action.
Leeds have moved to extend Ayling’s contract this week, with the defender committing himself to the Elland Road club until at least the summer of 2021, after agreeing a four-year deal. Speaking shortly after agreeing that extension with the Whites, Ayling admitted that his form since joining the club has been the best of his career, minus a slump in the last few weeks.
The defender admitted he was confident he could rediscover his best though, he said: “Since joining I feel like I’ve held the right-back spot to myself and fought some really good full-backs off and hopefully I can keep doing it. In the last 18 months I feel I’ve been in the best form of my career, barring the last few games, but I’m sure I will get back to that level.”
Ayling has been instrumental in helping Leeds transform themselves into promotion contenders over the last 18 months, and his role this season has not gone unnoticed. The 26-year-old has helped Leeds to sixth in the Championship table, and despite a recent run of disappointing form, they are still in the mix.
Leeds head to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City tomorrow, with Christiansen’s side heading south on a three game losing streak.
The Verdict
It is hard not to agree with Ayling’s comments, with the defender absolutely superb since his move to Elland Road last summer.
The 26-year-old has hardly put a foot wrong, and he is an absolute certainty to start almost every week for the Whites.
Securing the defender’s long-term future was a big statement from Leeds, with Ayling amongst the Championship’s best.
Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!
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