Leeds 31-year-old blows West Brom hero away with one trait in 1-1 draw

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West Bromwich Albion’s record goalscorer Tony Brown has shared what Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling does ‘more than anyone I’ve seen’ during last night’s 1-1 draw.

The Whites’ wait for their first win of the Championship season continued on Friday as West Brom visited Elland Road. Brandon Thomas-Asante (52’) handed Carlos Corberan’s Baggies a lead early in the second half. But Ayling (72’) would emerge as Leeds’ hero to save a point.

Thomas-Asante’s goal appeared set to secure all three points on Corberan’s return to Elland Road. But Ayling denied the one-time Leeds assistant coach a win as Daniel Farke’s skipper powered a header in. He picked out the top-right corner of the net from Daniel James’ cross.

Luke Ayling was Leeds’ hero in their 1-1 draw with West Brom

Goalkeeper Alex Palmer had frustrated Leeds in West Brom’s net for much of the meeting in West Yorkshire. He produced a superb save high to his right-hand side to thwart James after already denying the Wales winger once. But Ayling was in the right place at the perfect time.

Ayling has played every minute of Leeds’ three Championship games and their EFL Cup first-round win over Shrewsbury this season. The 31-year-old has also captained the Whites in all but their opening 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. He adopted the role in Liam Cooper’s absence.

Baggies legend Tony Brown hails the Whites right-back’s runs

Yet it was not Ayling’s goal or leadership qualities that impressed West Brom legend Brown the most in Leeds’ draw. Instead, the Baggies hero hailed the right-back’s late runs into the box from an early stage. Ayling astounded Brown with his intent to offer an attacking threat.

Brown told BBC Radio WM: “Luke Ayling on this right-hand side makes these late runs every time and the Albion back line have really got to keep him in their eyesight. He makes those runs more than anyone I’ve seen from that position.”

Farke will hope Ayling can continue to offer Leeds an attacking threat like he showed against West Brom this Friday. The defender’s equalising header was only his 11th goal through 256 appearances for the Elland Road club. He has also only offered 20 assists in all competitions.