Kim Hellberg explains why Middlesbrough gave Luke Ayling a contract extension – ‘monumental’
Luke Ayling signed a 12-month contract extension with Middlesbrough last week
Luke Ayling of Middlesbrough(Image: Getty Images)
Kim Hellberg described Luke Ayling as a ‘monumental’ figure at Middlesbrough, and insisted he can still play a huge role next season after signing a 12-month contract extension.
Ayling’s contract came despite the fact the defender will turn 35 in the early weeks of next season. But his performances for the most part this season have done enough to convince Hellberg and club officials that he is deserving of a new deal.
While an ideal scenario will see Boro strengthen and Ayling become more of a peripheral figure next season as far as minutes are concerned, in a squad that has few experienced heads, and one that will likely undergo a lot of change in the summer regardless of whether Boro win promotion or not, Ayling is seen as a valuable player to keep around next term.
After initially mistaking a question on the new deal for being asked how much the defender earned, before realising the question was about earning the new deal, Hellberg said: “He’s done brilliantly.
“He has had a very good season and you can see in the terms of how he plays football. I think he is just getting better and better every game. Even when he’s had a blip in one or two games, the way he bounces back from that – he just steps up and is even better again.
“He has monumental importance on the training ground, and energy, but also in the way we play. He also has a right foot that is providing a lot of assists, even as a center back.
“I think he’s up to five or six this season. So he’s also a very important player and person for the group and for the club. So I’m very happy with that.”
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