Three unsung heroes that are crucial to Leeds promotion push
COMMENT By Dominic Toner
Football Insider analyses three Leeds players that are crucial to the club’s target for promotion, but who do not get all the headlines.
Luke Ayling
Luke Ayling has made a smooth transition into the Leeds defence following his summer move from Bristol City. The right-back has played every single minute of the club’s Championship season and is a major reason behind their current fourth-placed standing. The 25-year-old is one of the most consistent performers in Garry Monk’s side and rarely gets caught out of position. Ayling has slotted straight in at right-back and his teammate Gaetano Berardi can’t get a look in. Ayling kept in-form attacker Jonathan Kodjia quiet at the weekend in the win 2-0 win against Aston Villa and has frustrated most opponents in the Championship this season.
Kyle Bartley
Kyle Bartley has featured in every minute of Leeds’ Championship campaign and formed a formidable partnership alongside Pontus Jansson at centre-back. Fan favourite Jansson has received most of the attention for his performances, but Bartley has been equally as impressive. The 25-year-old has shown great leadership qualities this season and is physically imposing. The Whites are hopeful of maintaining their play-off position until the end of the season and their defence has been crucial in recent weeks. Monk worked with Bartley during his time at Swansea and showed great faith in him by securing a season-long loan move in the summer transfer window.
Hadi Sacko
Leeds midfielder Hadi Sacko is the creative spark that keeps the side at a high tempo. Forward Chris Wood is rightfully praised for his clinical goalscoring, but Sacko has shown some great desire this season. The 22-year-old is currently on a season-long loan from Sporting and has been phenomenal at Elland Road. The pacy winger is frightening for Championship defences and delivered another strong performance against Villa. He is perfect for Leeds on the counter attack and has proved to be a great outlet on numerous occasions. He has featured in every Championship game this campaign and is regarded as a crucial player by Monk.
In other Leeds news, the club should make signing this senior figure their priority.