Glenn Hoddle gave his verdict on Leeds United defender Luke Ayling on BT Sport 1 (2:17pm, January 2, 2021) while watching him in action against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Tottenham legend was on co-commentary duty for the Premier League game between Spurs and Leeds at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday.
Hoddle was impressed by the display produced by the versatile 29-year-old and hailed his attributes.
The Englishman said that Ayling, who can operate as a right-back, centre-back or defensive midfielder, takes risk in playing the ball out from the back, adding that there will be times when he will give away the ball.
Hoddle said about Ayling on BT Sport 1 (2:17pm, January 2, 2021): “Well, he’s confident on the ball. He’s a full-back, isn’t he? He gets plenty of ball in this Leeds side when he’s playing at right-back.
“But what I like about him, he’s prepared to go past strikers, if there’s nothing on in front of him, he will drop his shoulder and go past you and take you out the game by running the ball in there rather than having to pass it every time.
“He will give the ball away, at times it won’t work for him. But you can tell his manager won’t get on the players’ backs if they take a risk and it doesn’t come off so next time he wants them to try it again.”
Remarkable footballer
Ayling was playing for Yeovil Town in 2014, and now the defender is turning out for Leeds in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old, who was released by Arsenal back in 2010, has been very good for Leeds over the years, and he is now a big player in head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
The defender works hard for the team, is able to play in a number of positions, and seems to be just enjoying and relishing the chance to play in the top flight of English football.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
