Alan Hutton has claimed that Leeds United's Barry Douglas is one of the best full-backs in the Championship and believes the defender could have an important role to play at Elland Road this season.

Douglas was a key part of the Wolves side that won the Championship title in 2017/18, but he left the club to join Leeds last summer for £3million.

The Scot was an important player for Leeds last season and made 26 appearances for the Whites in the Championship, although he struggled with injury problems throughout his first season at Elland Road.

Douglas started Leeds' opening three league matches this season at left-back, but lost his place in the side due to injury.

Even though he has returned to fitness, Douglas has been unable to reclaim his place in the side and has had to settle for a place on the bench in the Championship, with Ezgjan Alioski starting the last four league games at left-back.

However, former Premier League full-back Hutton has claimed that Douglas could have an important role to play for Leeds this season and believes he is one of the best in the league in his position.

“I think at Wolves he really showed what he could do. Great crosser of the ball – it was a strange one when he left Wolves, I didn’t really get it,” Hutton told Football Insider.

“He did so well and I don’t know whether he had been pushed out or something had happened.

“At Leeds he has had a bit of an up-and-down time, he’s been out injured and stuff which is difficult but I think if he can get a run of games this time around he can really push on,” Hutton added.

“He’ll definitely be up there among the best full-backs in the league. His crossing ability, his engine, he really does well.”

Is this the WORST Leeds United XI from the last 15 years? We'll let YOU decide....

Leeds are currently top of the Championship table on goal difference after winning five of their opening seven league matches and will be hoping to continue their momentum with another three points against Derby County on Saturday.

The Verdict

I agree with Hutton. Douglas is a very good full-back - probably one of the best in the Championship - and he could have a big role to play for Leeds this season.

He was an important player for Leeds last term, even though he struggled with injury problems throughout the campaign.

He's the best and most experienced left-back at Leeds and it's up to him to put the work in on the training pitch and convince Marcelo Bielsa that he deserves to be starting games for the Whites ahead of Alioski.