Journalist James Marshment has shared his verdict on Leeds United’s recent decision to extend Luke Ayling’s contract.
On Thursday, the Yorkshire club announced that they had exercised an option to extend Ayling’s contract, which was set to expire in the summer, beyond this season until the end of the 2023/24 season.
In a Twitter post in response to the announcement, Marshment had this to say.
He said: “Great news about Luke Ayling earning an extension. Massive presence in the Leeds dressing room and been really good in recent matches. He’s more than earned it.
“The sort of player and character we need if we are to secure safety this season. His place to lose now…”
Having joined the club back in the 2016 summer transfer window, the right-back has made 237 appearances for Leeds across all competitions, scoring eight goals and delivering 20 assists along the way.
This highlights the experience he has to offer his side, who are currently without a permanent manager following the departure of Jesse Marsch earlier this month.
After being in and out of the team this season before the league paused for the World Cup, the Englishman has been a consistent figure for the Whites in recent weeks, completing the full 90 minutes in their previous six league outings.
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His performances have earned the 31-year-old an overall season rating of 6.62/10 from WhoScored, leaving just seven outfield players at Leeds with higher ratings than him.
Ayling’s latest performance for the Whites against Manchester United at Elland Road saw him prove just how impressive he can be, as he made more tackles (8) than any other Leeds player, as well as winning 13 of the 17 duels he was involved in.
This display ultimately earned the full-back a solid match rating of 7.5/10 from SofaScore, comfortably making him the highest-rated Leeds player on the day.
With all of that in mind, we agree with Marshment’s verdict on the club’s decision to extend Ayling’s contract.