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Phillips: Ayling is '8/10 every game' for Leeds and is an 'Outstanding' Premier League player
Kevin Phillips insists Luke Ayling has been outstanding for Leeds United this season and he isn’t surprised at how the player has taken to Premier League football.
The former Sunderland star, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Ayling is lucky to be playing in a team like Leeds though he could succeed in the top flight with other sides.
Ayling, 29, has started every Premier League game for Leeds this season and has only missed 20 minutes of league football so far this campaign.
Ayling has even taken on the captain’s armband on several occasions this term with Liam Cooper sidelined for long periods.
Phillips has not been surprised with how well Ayling has taken to the Premier League and compared him to Wolves defender Conor Coady.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve been surprised,” Phillips told Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs.
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“Some players can come into the Premier League and get six or six and a half out of ten, he’s been a seven and a half or an eight in every game
“He’s a bit like Conor Coady in the way he’s adapted to the Premier League, he looks solid.
“Luke is fortunate that he plays in a team that allows him to express himself though he has the ability to do that in any team.
“That’s a credit to him as a player and his development. It looks like he’s taken on board everything his manager tells him but ultimately the player has to go and do that, he’s been outstanding for them.”
Last week there was speculation that Ayling could be called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad but the defender was overlooked.
Leeds take on Sheffield United after the international break as they look to secure a top ten finish in their first season back in the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, this pundit has backed Leeds to raid La Liga in the summer.