Leeds United have perfect cover for Djed Spence as Luke Ayling steps up once again

Nothing is ever straightforward at Leeds United, and there was no better example of this than this summer’s transfer window, which had everything.

Along with the sagas of Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra, there was the failed pursuit of Max Aarons as Daniel Farke sought to bolster his right back position. Following that play, it appeared like the Whites had finally discovered their man in Djed Spence.

After making an impression on the bench against Sheffield Wednesday before the international break, most expected him to start against Millwall on Sunday (17 September), until Farke revealed that he would be out for several weeks with a lateral ligament injury [Beren Cross, 17 September].

Fortunately, as has been the case in recent seasons, Luke Ayling has risen to the occasion for the Whites and demonstrated that he is more than capable of turning in a performance that ensures no one at Elland Road is concerned about their full-back choices.

On Sunday, the 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes at the Den and was at his consistent best, allowing Leeds’ attacking talent to flourish. Ayling excelled defensively, winning three tackles, making five recoveries, and only getting dribbled past once [Fotmob].

He refused to be intimidated against a tough Millwall team, winning 100% of his six aerial duels and four ground duels without incurring a single foul. Ayling wasn’t as successful in the future.

He did misplace the only cross he attempted during the game, but with the wealth of attacking talent ahead of him in attack, there is very little need for Ayling to be the creator-in-chief in this new-look Leeds United side.

While most would want Spence to line up on the right side of defense, Ayling is much more than an able deputy, especially in difficult games like a trip to The Den. To pass those kinds of tests, teams require grit and experience, and few on this Leeds team have greater experience than Ayling.

With Spence away for several weeks and the fixtures piling up, the 32-year-old will have to continue to stand up and demonstrate why Farke and United do not need to panic without their Tottenham loanee.

In other Leeds United news, a Manchester United star was impressed by one of the club’s players on Sunday.