A few Leeds United fans have been tearing into first-team mainstay Luke Ayling for his quality when on the ball against West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Day.
Ayling opened the league affair at the Hawthorns on Wednesday evening, as boss Marcelo Bielsa named the London-born right-back in his starting line-up for the 17th-straight league game.
Bielsa was without Ayling for our opening nine fixtures of the campaign as a result of the knock he sustained in pre-season, which forced the 28-year-old to go under the knife before the 2019/20 Championship term commenced.
Some fans may be wishing that Bielsa was without Ayling against West Brom on New Year’s Day, though, as a few have taken to social media to tear into the £2.25million-rated defender for his quality when in possession of the ball.
Ayling recorded 95 touches against the Baggies, which was the most of all players that featured for either side – according to WhoScored data – but could only use his time in possession to complete 47 of his 67 passes.
The Arsenal product also lost possession 27 times on Wednesday evening, while failing to connect with a teammate with either of his two crosses and two of his six long balls, per statistics collected by Sofa Score.
Should Bielsa drop Ayling vs Arsenal in the FA Cup?
Yes
No
One of Ayling’s most important moments of the game came in the build-up to West Brom’s opening goal, when he failed to clear the ball before Semi Ajayi would tap home.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans offered their thoughts on Ayling’s performance at West Brom…
Has ayling completed a pass yet? Given it away far too much. Bamford offers more up front too, minds made up on that. #lufc
— Brian Canavan (@BriBriCanavan) January 1, 2020
Ayling is killing Costa! Takes far too long on the ball PASS THE BALL!!!!!#lufc
— Joe Brittain 💙💛 (@brittain_joe) January 1, 2020
Ayling is so so overrated! He’s bang ordinary on the ball and has scored a good goal and everyone forgets all the shit!!#lufc
— nedcostello (@nedcostello35) January 1, 2020
Wish someone would have a word with Luke Ayling to stop dilly dallying on the ball and just pass it easy to the better players. Costa has no chance with him playing behind him. Never gives him the ball #LUFC
— Jack Timms (@jacktimms92) January 1, 2020
Ayling needs to stop closing his eyes when passing. #LUFC
— TheDamnedUnited92 (@DamnedUnited92) January 1, 2020
Ayling? Losing possession and wayward passes. 🤷♂️
— Rod Hulme (@RodHulme1) January 1, 2020
In other Leeds United news, the club’s rumoured plans to sign a £1.8m-rated striker have taken a dent following an update from his manager.