The Leeds United full-back is set for a change of position this weekend.
When Garry Monk made Luke Ayling one of his first signings at Leeds United, Whites fans would have been forgiven for wondering if he was what they needed. After all, Leeds already had Gaetano Berardi and the promising Lewie Coyle competing for a right-back spot.
However, an injury to Berardi soon saw Ayling make the position his own, while Leeds fans regularly discussed the sense in bringing in a player who was also comfortable featuring in the centre of defence when required.
Until now, that requirement has been limited to 45 minutes in the EFL Cup against Liverpool. However with Pontus Jansson suspended and Liam Cooper injured for the upcoming game against Derby County, suddenly the signing of Ayling looks savvier than ever.
The return from injury of Berardi and Coyle has come at the perfect time, with both expected to start for Leeds against the Rams in a back-four that, in essence, looks set to include three right-backs.
Ayling has made the right-back slot his own at Elland Road, yet his versatility will ensure Monk can swiftly and effectively rectify a problem that would have caused real issues at many other clubs.
Instead, Coyle should line up on the right, Berardi on the left (in place of the injured Charlie Taylor) and Ayling alongside Kyle Bartley.
Ayling quickly proved to be a smart capture for the right side of defence, but soon he will prove that he was so much more than that.
He was the answer to a problem Monk, like any good manager, foresaw well in advance.
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