Luke Ayling made his debut for Middlesbrough on Saturday after leaving Leeds United
Luke Ayling, a Leeds United loanee, made a “huge impact” in his Middlesbrough debut on Saturday afternoon, according to Michael Carrick. Ayling joined Boro just three days prior to the team’s trip to Millwall this weekend, yet he was immediately included in the starting lineup at The Den.
The former Leeds vice captain began the game at right-back and played the entire ninety minutes for the Teesside team, which came back from behind to win 3-1 in south London and solidify their place in the top six of the Championship. The goals of the day for Boro came from Isaiah Jones, Marcus Forss, and Leeds midfielder Sam Greenwood, who worked with Lukas Engel.
However, Carrick was heard talking about debutants Ayling and Finn Azaz, who had signed with Aston Villa, following the match, with Ayling’s skill and experience being vital to the outcome.
“Two good players, two important players,” Carrick stated on the team’s website. “You could tell that Millwall is a pretty talented team and that they’re currently having success; it wasn’t an easy game.
“The game started quickly, but as we got into it, Finn began to get on the ball, generate a few opportunities, and it seemed like there were moments there.
“I felt that Luke’s experience helped him handle the game pretty effectively. He also played a few tiny diverse positions that we adjusted and changed during the game. His serenity and experience had a significant impact on the game.”
Under Daniel Farke, Ayling struggled to get into the starting lineup at Elland Road; two months before to his ultimate departure, in November, he made his final league appearance for the team. But he’ll be eager to gain momentum with Boro in the Championship, and he might make his home debut when Carrick’s team visits Riverside Stadium to play Rotherham United the following weekend.
Leave a Reply