Luke Ayling: Let us not forget 

For a player who was signed for a mere £200.000 back in 2016, Luke Ayling has left a big imprint on the fabric of modern-day Leeds United. From the trademark ponytail to the Ayling flop, he has endeared himself to the Leeds faithful since his arrival from Bristol City. When the time comes for him to say goodbye, he will be rightly remembered as a firm fan’s favorite.

In an age of plastic personalities and media trained robot footballers, old Bill has been a breath of fresh air and a throwback to a time when players had more personality and character. Despite well-known issues with a stammer, he has never been afraid to come in front of the camera, win or lose.  
 
Ayling has made 242 appearances for the club since arriving 7 years ago and is the club’s third longest serving player behind captain Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas. More than most other players, as fans we feel like we have been on this journey with him, from the highs of success under Bielsa to the lows of relegation last May. This is no small part comes down to the nature of the man, humble, accessible and ordinary, in the best sense of the word. 

Ayling was one of Bielsa’s sons and played his best football under the Argentinian. A constant threat marauding down the right flank, he became an important creative outlet for the side. He appeared to revel in the chaos of Bielsa ball and was a standout performer in the 19/20 and 20/21 seasons.   
 
Lamentably however, his form has dipped considerably over the last couple of seasons. His attacking play remains reasonably strong, but it is defensively where he has struggled to cope, particularly with tracking back after his hallmark lung busting runs into the final third. He is finding it increasingly difficult to stifle opposition wingers and his impact on games is beginning to wane.  
 
The signing of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur would signal that he is likely going to find himself out of the team once the international break is over. Stranger things have happened though, and he may yet have something to say. He has had pressure for the shirt before but neither Cody Drameh nor Rasmus Kristensen managed to oust him, however Spence is a different kettle of fish and has not come to Elland Road to play a bit part.  

As he ebbs closer to his swansong at the club, it is important that supporters view his recent demise in form for the club and his legacy at the club as separate. As football fans we tend to get caught up in the here and now, forgetting the mileage on the clock and instead choosing to view things through a present prism. There is not much room for sentiment in today’s game but if anyone deserves to benefit from some, it’s Luke Ayling. He’s owed that.