Middlesbrough picked up their second consecutive victory on the weekend as they brushed aside Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium.
Boro’s slim top-six hopes remain alive after continuing their positive run of form, which has seen them win three of their last five games.
Michael Carrick‘s side remain six points adrift of sixth-placed Norwich City with 15 points to play for, so the gap is certainly surmountable.
Though, Boro will likely have to win at least four of their last five games, which would move them to 73 points.
Anyhow, they’re certainly ending the season strongly and in the clash against the visiting Swans, one player stood out more than any other.
Luke Ayling impressive stats v Swansea City
Since joining on loan from Leeds United in January, Luke Ayling has been an assured presence in the Middlesbrough back line.
However, yesterday he was particularly impressive and his statistics certainly back up that notion.
Ayling won 73 per cent of his duels, 11 out of 15 to be precise, and he maintained an 82 per cent pass completion rate, as per Sofascore. The veteran full-back had 66 touches and made one key pass throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch.
Such a performance would’ve certainly put him in the frame to secure a permanent deal at the club, with his loan set to expire next month.
Middlesbrough should sign Luke Ayling permanently
Ayling will return to Leeds United next month once his loan deal at the Riverside comes to an end, though, he’s set to become a free agent shortly after.
At the end of June, the 32-year-old’s contract at Leeds expires, so Boro may be able to land his services on a permanent basis, for free.
That would represent terrific business for Carrick and his chiefs, as it would free up their budget to sign players in other positions.
Further, Ayling’s experience and knowhow, having been promoted with Leeds before, will lend itself well to any forthcoming promotion push next term, if Boro do indeed fail to make the playoffs.
The former Arsenal academy star has five league games remaining to impress Carrick and he’s certainly doing a stellar job thus far.
Middlesbrough travel to top six hopefuls Hull City on Wednesday evening, in what could be classed as a six-pointer.
Defeat for either side would near enough rule them out of the promotion picture, so it’s a must-win, in many ways.