Luke Ayling’s stats in Leeds defeat suggest Gaetano Berardi faces battle trying to get back into Whites team

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Ayling shone as Leeds fell to a narrow defeat at the iPro Stadium.

Derby’s Ikechi Anya in action with Leeds’ Luke Ayling

Luke Ayling has made a mixed start to life at Leeds United. But perhaps with the knowledge that Gaetano Berardi is getting back to full fitness, it appears that the former Bristol City man is beginning to show why Garry Monk wanted to bring him to Elland Road in the summer.

Despite Leeds falling to a 1-0 defeat to Derby County on Saturday, the statistics from the game suggest that Ayling enjoyed a great day at the iPro Stadium.

Derby’s Alex Pearce in action with Leeds’ Luke Ayling

Despite having to deal with one of the trickiest wingers in the Championship in Ikechi Anya for much of the game, Ayling seemingly stepped up to the challenge brilliantly.

He won more challenges than the rest of the Leeds back four put together – Kalvin Phillips was the only player who matched Ayling’s tally – and while he made fewer clearances than both of the centre-backs, he topped the stats in all of the other areas.

Leeds United manager Garry Monk

He won eight duels, made two successful interceptions – which was matched by Pontus Jansson, Kyle Bartley and Charlie Taylor – made the highest number of accurate passes and made 30 more touches than his nearest rival in the back four.

While Monk will struggle to be positive about a defeat that saw the Peacocks hit the post and bar, Ayling’s performance could perhaps be deemed to be a bright point, and leaves the head coach with a decision to make.

Gaetano Berardi of Leeds United

Berardi is a hugely popular figure amongst the United fans, and his return after a long absence would have provided the club with a major lift.

But with Ayling performing so strongly amongst a back four that has conceded just three times in the last five league games, Monk would surely be a brave man to make the change.