Luke Ayling has been speaking to the club’s official Twitter account about how he’s found life at Leeds and also life in the Premier League.
The 29-year-old also discussed why he left Arsenal as a youngster.
Additionally, the Leeds No.2 shared an interesting piece of information about what he tells Pascal Struijk during games sometimes, to help him out.
Ayling said: “I’ve been playing with Pascal recently, and I’ve told him if you’re ever in trouble, just play it to me and I’ll try to get out of trouble or something, because that’s just what you do as an older player.
“You try and take a bit of pressure off the young lads.”
Now, we’re massive fans of these comments from the £250,000 man.
It shows real maturity to step up and do something like this.
Ayling is basically saying that he’s prepared to risk losing the ball in a troublesome area, just so the 21-year-old Dutchman doesn’t slip up and take a dent to his confidence.
We mustn’t forget that Ayling is also learning the ropes somewhat himself, as this is his first taste of life in the Premier League.
After hearing his comments, it’s evident that the right-back is a leader in the squad, and also someone who cares about the younger players a lot.
We’re sure that Struijk – a 3-cap Netherlands Under-17 international – is extremely grateful to have a someone like Ayling protecting him on the pitch.
The youngsters in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad are only going to get better with characters like Ayling looking out for them around Elland Road.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
