Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Patrick Bamford has been waxing-lyrical about Luke Ayling, praising his leadership when he steps in as captain.
The right-back has been deputising behind Liam Cooper this term, and due to the Scotland international’s chequered injury record, Ayling has had to take the armband on a number of occasions.
Bamford says that Ayling is the joker of the pack, but when it comes to leading the team, he does so by example.
“He’s the funny one of the group I’d say, if there’s a bit of flatness in the group, Bill’s always there to bring it back up, whether he’s making comments about playing in the Champions League or just random things he makes the atmosphere lighter around the place,” Bamford said.
“In terms of being the captain, I know he said me, Kalvin and Ty rib him a bit about not getting his words out, but there’s no one else I’d rather have step in for Coops. He just shows on the pitch, the way he’s progressed this year as well, coming from Yeovil and building it all the way up, and the way he’s still trying to improve, he doesn’t have to say anything, he just sets the example by what he does.”
This is great to hear.
The way Leeds play means that it’s vital for every player to be motivated and determined on the pitch, and having strong leaders in the side is vital for that.
We all know how good of a captain Cooper is, but Ayling seems to be the perfect understudy when he has to step in.
Perhaps the right-back could one day be Leeds’ permanent skipper.
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