Jonathan Woodgate's time in charge of Middlesbrough hasn't exactly gone to plan so far.

Two wins in 15 games, and currently on a run of eight without victory has spelled disaster for the Teessiders who find themselves in the unexpected position of the relegation zone.

Middlesbrough need leaders to get themselves out of this predicament and Daniel Ayala has certainly proven himself to be that.

The central defender has spent six years at the Riverside Stadium and has been a key player in consolidating their position in the Championship, winning promotion to the Premier League and scrapping to retain their place in the top flight.

He's been there and done it, and that's why Ayala is indispensable for Middlesbrough.

The Spaniard is out of contract at the end of the season but has expressed his desire to stay at the club if a deal can be agreed.

In our latest FLW Spotlight, we look into Ayala's statistics to assess whether his performances this season are deserving of a new contract at the Riverside Stadium.

Daniel Ayala has played 14 times for Middlesbrough season, giving him the third highest number of appearances in a Boro shirt this term.

According to Whoscored.com, for players who have featured at least five times, Ayala is the third highest-rated man in the Middlesbrough squad for performances, behind only Dael Fry and Ryan Shotton.

But while Middlesbrough's performances this term have been a far cry from last season under Tony Pulis, Ayala has been surprisingly consistent.

In terms of tackles (1.6 per game), interceptions (1.3 per game), clearances (5.3 per game) and aerial duels (4.1 per game), Ayala is boasting a record which is almost identical to that which he achieved last season.

The fact that he's averaging over five clearances per game, and four aerial duels won per game, show exactly where his strengths lie, and those skills will be key to Middlesbrough getting themselves out of the situation that they're in at present.

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At 28 years of age, Daniel Ayala is very much in his prime as a defender and that shows in his statistics from the season so far.

While contracts come down to finances as well as a desire to keep a player, the fact that Ayala is having such an influence on Jonathan Woodgate's squad means that the club would be served well if they could strike a deal to keep the defender at the Riverside Stadium.

Otherwise the Spaniard could be a tricky man to replace.