Leeds United: Pundit issues ‘100 per cent’ Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas transfer claims after confirmed news
Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas should not be worried about being frozen out at Leeds United by Jesse Marsch, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker claimed Leeds’ small squad means Ayling and Dallas means they will have a chance to impress.
The pair were arguably the two biggest beneficiaries of Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival at Elland Road.
They were transformed from average Championship players to key members of a side that finished ninth in the Premier League last season.
Dallas was rewarded with a new three-year deal last summer (2021) while Ayling has captained the club for the majority of the season with Liam Cooper out injured.
The club confirmed on Monday (28 February) that Marsch had replaced Bielsa on a three-and-a-half-year contract.
Asked whether the duo should fear their future, Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley: “100 per cent, I don’t think they will be worried.
“They’ll know that the squad is not very big and it will be a fresh start for everyone.
“Leeds haven’t got a big squad so these players will be important players to the club.
“I’m sure the new manager will want to get the best out of them. He will look at them, how good are they defensively? When we’re playing a strong opposition attacking-wise, we can’t leave them one-on-one.
“This is what managers do. If they see that Ayling and Dallas aren’t great at defending, they won’t leave them one-on-one against top, top wingers. It’s about using the players correctly.”
Ayling and Dallas have played 470 times across all competitions for Leeds.
Dallas signed from Brentford in the summer of 2015 while Ayling moved from Bristol City the following year.
In other news, Leeds United have been handed a ‘big’ transfer boost by a 16 goal/assist sensation.