A few Leeds United fans were left in awe of Luke Ayling’s performance against Hull City on Tuesday night, as we beat the Tigers 2-0.
Ayling started the Championship encounter at right-back for his 11th-straight inclusion in Marcelo Bielsa’s opening line-up, having missed the first nine games of the campaign through an ankle injury sustained during pre-season.
The 6ft full-back has not missed a minute of league action since earning his first start of the term away to Millwall in October, and has worn the captain’s armband on seven occasions – including Tuesday night’s win over Hull.
A few United fans have shared that they were left impressed by his efforts against the Tigers, with some noting that his dribbling was so strong that it reminded them of FC Barcelona great Lionel Messi.
Yet Ayling actually only recorded one attempted dribble against Hull during our mid-week encounter, per WhoScored and Sofa Score data, albeit a successful attempt to beat his marker.
Does Ayling deserve to be our full-time captain?
Yes, he's proven himself
No, it's still Cooper's
The 28-year-old also recorded four attempted crosses, eight long balls and 71 passes on Tuesday, of which one, four and 58 were completed efforts respectively.
London-born Ayling also provided a key defensive presence with the second-most tackles won, having stolen the ball with each of his four attempts, plus one interception and one clearance.
He won six of his seven ground duels, as well, while no player for either side registered more touches than Ayling, who was the only man to exceed 100 with 103.
Here are some of the messages shared from fans left in awe by Ayling against Hull…
I am suprised how good Ayling is after missed preseason. One the best player in recent weeks. I don’t know he has played better that currently. #lufc #mot #alaw
— Krzysztof Wrzal (@KrzysztofWrzal) December 10, 2019
Luke Ayling MOTM tonight. Absolutely class #lufc
— Liam Irvine (@IrvineLiam) December 10, 2019
Jeez Luke Ayling was very good tonight. Pretty sure he turned into Messi a few times during that game. Chuddy feet #lufc
— Jordan Carter (@JordanCarter10) December 10, 2019
Ayling for me. The man was everywhere
— Danny Hawkridge 💙💛 (ACAW) (@ACAW_LUFC) December 10, 2019
Ayling’s stepped up massively last couple of month, filling in at centre half for a chunk of it too. Class.
— Shaun (@LUFC1992_) December 10, 2019
Loved how Ayling developed 99 dribbling in game last night by the way 😂👌🏼 #lufc
— Matt. (@Matt1Lufc) December 11, 2019
Great win that! What a run we are on. We look the real deal at the moment. Casilla and Ayling stood out for me, and what a goal from alioski #lufc
— Super Leeds United (@superlufc1919) December 10, 2019
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit has lauded a key aspect of Bielsa’s Whites.