Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has struggled in the Championship this season under Daniel Farke, and Djed Spence is on his tail following an eye-catching cameo.
The Whites are headed into the first international break of the season with only one league win under their belts and additional bonding time with his players about to begin at Thorp Arch.
After a dreary 0-0 draw with Sheffield Wednesday last time out, new arrivals are set to be given a chance to get to grips with how the German wants things to function at Leeds over the coming fortnight.
After Saturday’s stalemate in LS11, he already has a selection quandary at right-back.
How is Luke Ayling getting on?
Luke Ayling’s first run of games back in the EFL hasn’t been as enjoyable as his last run in the Championship, as he has looked off the pace so far.
A different tactical setting from Sam Allardyce’s ‘defend for your lives’ to genuinely playing out and dominating the ball has demanded more of everyone who remained over the summer, although the high placement of the full-backs is causing them problems.
Ayling’s defiant celebration after hammering home a good header against West Brom was just what the fans needed after what happened pre-match with Willy Gnonto, but it has only covered up the cracks.
According to FBref, Ayling is the Championship player who gives dribbling attackers the most delight, with 13 of his 20 ‘challenges’ lost so far, meaning he’s made seven tackles in those duels – a worrying 35% success rate in stopping wingers getting past him.
Will Djed Spence take his place?
Fans were encouraged by the (though tardy) introduction of flashy new acquisition Djed Spence on Saturday, and he instantly looked a cut above on the ball, carrying past challenges like he was playing with players in front of him, scarcely breaking stride to dodge pressure.
So much so that he finished two take-ons in his 10-minute cameo, placing him one behind Ayling’s season total of three.
Spence’s defensive effort had previously been criticized, but denying a pacey Josh Windass on a rare Owls counter-attack quickly got fans on board, as that could have easily ended with a winner for the visitors if not for the recovery pace shown.
Spence’s late cameo didn’t demonstrate what he contributed to Nottingham Forest in 21/22 by marauding into the box past many challenges, but he looked a step above and should start from now on.
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