Ayling returned to Leeds side on Sunday against Aston Villa.
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has applauded defender Luke Ayling on Instagram after the defender returned from injury to captain the Whites to victory over Aston Villa on Sunday.
Leeds produced a memorable performance that saw them go 2-0 down thanks to goals from Tammy Abraham and Conor Hourihane, before turning the game on its head in the second half to win 3-2.
Goals from teenager Jack Clarke, colossal defender Pontus Jansson and striker Kemar Roofe saw Leeds return to the top of the table for Christmas. For the last 10 seasons, the team sitting in first at Christmas has gained promotion.
Ayling posted on Instagram after the win, in what was his return to first-team action since undergoing keen surgery. He had last featured against Nottingham Forest on October 27.
Ayling was part of a makeshift back four that included Sweden international Pontus Jansson, midfielder Kalvin Phillips and teenager Leif Davis – who was making his senior debut for the club.
Six consecutive wins sees Leeds top the Championship, a point ahead of Norwich City but more importantly – they sit six points above third-placed West Bromwich Albion in the play-off places.
Owner Radrizzani, who convinced Marcelo Bielsa to join Leeds in the summer, commented on Ayling’s Instagram. He applauded the former Bristol City defender for his return to action, commenting: “Great to see you back”.
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