Former Leeds United boss impressed by Luke Ayling.
Leeds caretaker manager Neil Redfearn
Former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn has picked out Luke Ayling as the player who he feels can be the club’s best summer signing.
Ayling signed from Bristol City in early August in a surprise transfer, and went straight into the team with right-back Gaetano Berardi out injured.
Speaking to TV Yorkshire, former manager and academy boss Redfearn was full of praise for the former Arsenal trainee.
Luke Ayling of Bristol City (L) in action with Albert Adomah of Middlesbrough
He said: “He struggled a bit on Saturday against Nottingham Forest but I thought the whole side did. By and large he has been the steadiest performer.Leeds have had this season, he’s been doing really well.
“He’s a competitive player and he understands the level, and that’s really apparent in these opening few games.”
Ayling was not brought in as a game changer, but as a player who can do exactly as Redfearn describes, become a steady influence on the side.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Fernando Forestieri (L) and Almen Abdi in action with Leeds United’s Luke Ayling and Hadi Sacko (R)
Leeds have options at right-back with Lewie Coyle also able to feature, while Ayling can also play at centre-back if required, something which could come into play now with Sol Bamba surprisingly released.
Ayling, 25, has played four Championship games for Leeds so far since signing, and has completed the full 90 minutes in each of those games, helping the team keep a clean sheet once.
Leeds United players celebrate after the match
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