Losing Djed Spence to injury came as a blow to those at Leeds United, with the Tottenham man seen as a real statement signing – but Luke Ayling‘s display on Wednesday has softened the blow of losing him.
Spence, 23, is a real coup. His form at Nottingham Forest in 2021-22 saw Spurs pay £20m for him – so, to get him in the Championship is a smart move. When he is fit, you’d expect him to start over Ayling.
But of course, Spence was ruled out this week after suffering a knee injury in training. While he will not require surgery, he is going to be missing for eight weeks. Plenty of reliance place on veteran Ayling.
His form was questionable last season. But he has made a good start this time around with the club relegated to the Championship. A goal against West Brom,. His pass created the third goal at Millwall.
Ayling display softens Spence blow as Leeds draw at Hull
On Wednesday night, his good form continued. It was more of a defensive display given Leeds had 10 men for 30 minutes – and Ayling was key to that. Five tackles, more than any other player on the park.
WhoScored also report he made two interceptions and played two key passes. A superb display from Ayling. He was given a rating of 6.95, our third best behind Crysencio Summerville and Ethan Ampadu.
So, while it is a blow to lose Spence – Ayling showing the kind of form he did on Wednesday at least softens the loss of the on-loan England U21 man. Hopefully, he can stay and fit and keep the form up.
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