In the first few minutes of Leeds United’s 3-3 draw with Aston Villa, Luke Ayling nutmegged Philippe Coutinho. A moment that has been relayed by the Whites’ Instagram page – prompting reaction from Pablo Hernandez.
A brilliant game was in its infancy when Ayling received the ball inside his own penalty area. Opening his body, Villa star Coutinho closed down the ex-Arsenal defender. But Ayling remained composed, nutmegging Coutinho.
Coutinho got his own back later on in the game – not least because he scored one goal and laid on two further assists. But he nutmegged Ayling, back to goal in the corner – flicking the ball through Ayling and running in on goal.
A brace from Dan James and an equaliser from Diego Llorente cancelled out Coutinho’s effort, and two from Jacob Ramsey in an enthralling clash. Leeds replayed a video of Ayling’s nutmeg on their Instagram page.
Hernandez message to Ayling: Leeds star jokes with Whites icon
During his time at Elland Road, Hernandez became not only renowned for his important goals and assists – but his nutmegs too. Many have said over the years that the Spain international can nutmeg a mermaid.
The midfielder took to Instagram to comment on his old side’s post, telling Ayling he must have learnt something from the midfielder. Currently, 36-year-old Hernandez is playing for hometown club Castellon CD.
Ayling responded to Hernandez, saying it was easy to learn something after years of being nutmegged in training by the ex-Valencia and Swansea man.
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