Paul Robinson has urged Javi Gracia to retain Luke Ayling in the starting XI despite his poor performance in Leeds United's 5-1 thrashing against Crystal Palace.
Ayling returned to the side after the World Cup break and has captained Leeds in the absence of Liam Cooper. He was rewarded for his impressive form with a new one-year contract in February, but the full-back has seen his form drop in recent weeks.
The 32-year-old conceded a penalty in Leeds' 4-1 defeat at Premier League leaders Arsenal, and endured a torrid afternoon against Palace.
READ MORE: Max Wober to be assessed ahead of Liverpool amid Javi Gracia's injury concern
Despite the questions surrounding Ayling, former Leeds goalkeeper Robinson believes his leadership qualities remain crucial in their battle for survival.
“He’s better than Kristensen,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News. “He’s been out of form the last two games and I don’t think he’s played to the level he would expect from himself.
“There are goals that he’s been culpable for but what he gives you in terms of leadership, it’s almost essential that he plays. There’s not many voices or leaders in that team and he’s the biggest one they’ve got on the field.
“The other qualities he brings, he has to play. I don’t think it’s a question of him or Kristensen – Ayling will play and he will be reliable. He’s been caught but he’s playing in a team that has been extremely poor and he’s been left wide open.”
