Journalist expects new signing to replace 32-year-old at Leeds after international break
Journalist Dean Jones is expecting Djed Spence to replace Luke Ayling in Leeds United’s starting XI after the international break.
Jones was speaking to Give Me Sport where he provided his thoughts on Ayling’s situation at Leeds following a difficult start to the season.
Ayling has started every league game for Leeds under Daniel Farke but it is clear the German is keen to replace him in his starting line-up.
Farke almost had a deal wrapped up to reunite with former Norwich City defender Max Aarons until Bournemouth swooped in at the 11th hour to hijack the deal.
Leeds then continued their hunt for a right-back right until the last 72 hours of the window, bringing in Spence on a season-long-loan from Tottenham Hotspur.
Spence came on for the final 10 minutes of the 0-0 draw against Sheffield Wednesday last weekend for his debut and quickly showed what he will bring to Leeds.
Jones believes that Spence has come in to get a ‘regular starting berth’, though does believe the criticism Ayling has received as of late has been ‘harsh’
“I feel like Leeds are finding it hard, at the moment, what to expect from the team. You see people like Ayling getting quite a bit of stick, which seems harsh based on everything he’s done for Leeds. He’s got to try not to let that get to him. But with Spence coming in, you would imagine he’s doing that to get a regular starting berth.”
Ayling has really struggled defensively so far this season with his lack of pace having really cost him on numerous occasions against the likes of Cardiff City and Ipswich.
The 32-year-old will still be a crucial part of the dressing room but Spence’s speed and attacking ability will offer Leeds a different dimension under Farke, meaning it is time to bring him in.
