Luke Ayling has been fantastic for Leeds United at right-back this season, but Gaetano Berardi was exceptional against Fulham.
Luke Ayling
Given that Luke Ayling has been arguably proven to be Leeds’ best permanent signing from the last summer window, the idea of Garry Monk leaving him out whenever he is available would have previously seemed foolish. But even if he is ready for this weekend’s clash with Queens Park Rangers, it may be an idea for Monk to leave him on the bench following the Whites’ draw with Fulham.
The 25-year-old missed the clash at Craven Cottage due to the arrival of his baby daughter, and in his absence, Monk brought Charlie Taylor back in at left-back while moving Gaetano Berardi across to his more natural position on the right.
On a difficult night for Leeds, Berardi demonstrated just how important a squad player he is as he put in another brilliant display, arguably proving to be the Whites’ man of the match.
It seems inevitable towards the end of the season that Ayling will return on the right and Taylor will keep his place on the left, leaving Berardi as cover for both men. But perhaps at Elland Road this weekend, Monk should consider keeping the Swiss in the starting lineup ahead of Ayling.
Gaetano Berardi
Given the former Bristol City man’s situation, it would hardly be a surprise if his preparation before Saturday is less than ideal, and it must not be forgotten that Ayling is still walking a disciplinary tight rope.
The defender has been on nine yellow cards for the campaign since the victory over Bristol City in mid-February, so has somehow managed to get through the subsequent games without picking up another caution which would have left him with a two-match suspension.
Saturday’s clash is the final game where Ayling, and teammate Kyle Bartley, can pick up a suspension, so Monk may perhaps decide that the sensible decision is to leave Ayling on the bench.
Leeds manager Garry Monk
While some may question whether Monk should allow a potential suspension to have any influence on his team selection, Berardi played so well against Fulham that being able to take Ayling out of the firing line should be viewed as a bonus rather than the main reason for the decision.
It would certainly cost the team a lot more if Ayling is, completely understandably, not at the races against QPR due to his new arrival, and then picked up a 10th yellow card in the game that rules him out of their vital contests with Brighton and Reading.
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