Marcelo Bielsa told Leeds Live that Luke Ayling has been one of the players who has ‘shone the most in our team’ this season.
The Leeds boss was also reacting to the surprising rumours that Ayling could earn a potential England call-up on Thursday.
The Guardian claim that Ayling could be called up by his country for the first time, which would come as a surprise and it would be some doing given the number of players England have to choose from in that area.
Gareth Southgate is set to name his squad for the forthcoming internationals and Kalvin Phillips is expected to be at least one Leeds player at St George’s Park.
But could Ayling join him following his performances in a Leeds shirt this term?
Whilst Bielsa didn’t want to get drawn into whether Southgate will come knocking or not, he did praise the Leeds defender for what he brings to the table.
“He’s one of the players that has shone the most in our team,” said Bielsa. “He’s a player that can play out wide or in the centre. In a back four or back three. He has the capacity to attack and good aerial game.
“He has a good management of the ball and first pass. All of this analysis, anyone who watches him regularly can make.
“I’m only describing the resources that he has. When you talk about a player who can potentially be picked for the national team, you can interpret the reference as trying to enduce the manager.
“And in no way do I want to be in that situation. The thing is, the questions lead you to say things you don’t want to.”
There’s no doubt that Ayling has been a standout performer for Leeds this season and his versatility is something that might have been noted down by Southgate.
The Three Lions boss has Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Kieran Tripper and Kyle Walker to pick from in that position.
Plus, the likes of Aaron Wan-Bisaaka, Kyle Walker-Peters, Matty Cash and Tariq Lamptey have also had outstanding campaigns.
Yet, it seems Ayling might just push ahead a few of them, which is a credit to the player and his rise back to the top.
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