KickAIMatches
Luke Ayling
Middlesbrough

Luke Ayling

Defender at Middlesbrough

🌍 ENDefender#12🎂 34 years📏 183cm👟 Right

Current Team: Middlesbrough

Market Value
€0.4M
SofaScore Rating
7.27

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Luke Ayling Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26Championship24137.27
25/26EFL Cup1007.00
24/25Championship26027.16
24/25EFL Cup2006.65
23/24Championship33197.14
23/24EFL Cup1006.60
22/23EFL Cup1007.50
22/23Premier League29216.60
21/22EFL Cup-00-
21/22Premier League-00-
📅 Last updated: January 15, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Luke Ayling Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 3, 2025Championship6.8
Feb 12, 2025Championship7.3
Feb 15, 2025Championship6.8
Feb 25, 2025Championship6.8
Mar 1, 2025Championship6.7
Aug 9, 2025Championship7.3
Aug 12, 2025EFL Cup7.0
Aug 16, 2025Championship7.9
Aug 23, 2025Championship6.8
Aug 30, 2025Championship8.0
Sep 13, 2025Championship6.9
Sep 19, 2025Championship7.5
Sep 27, 2025Championship8.5
Sep 30, 2025Championship7.3
Oct 4, 2025Championship6.5
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

✓ Heading

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 24 seasons, 5 competitions
4
Career Goals
15
Career Assists
117
Total Apps
96
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Middlesbrough

Full Squad →
David Strelec
David Strelec
F
Mamadou Kaly Sene
Mamadou Kaly Sene
F
Tommy Conway
Tommy Conway
F
Alexander Gilbert
Alexander Gilbert
F
Sverre Nypan
Sverre Nypan
M
Leo Castledine
Leo Castledine
M
Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney
M
Micah Hamilton
Micah Hamilton
M
Morgan Whittaker
Morgan Whittaker
M

📊 Season Statistics

Championship 25/26
24 appearances
1
Goals
3
Assists
7.27
Rating
1865
Minutes
12
Shots
9
Key Passes
45
Tackles
23
Interceptions

📝 About Luke Ayling

Luke Ayling is a 34-year-old EN professional footballer who plays as a defender. Currently representing Middlesbrough, Luke Ayling stands at 183cm and is predominantly right-footed. With a market valuation of €415K, Luke Ayling represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Luke Ayling's professional career began at Arsenal U21. Over their career, Luke Ayling has made 7 transfers. The most recent move saw Luke Ayling join Middlesbrough in 2024.

This season, Luke Ayling has contributed 1 goals and 3 assists in 24 appearances. Accumulating 1865 minutes, averaging 78 per game.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Luke Ayling has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Luke Ayling's role as a defender at Middlesbrough, examining their EN playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Destroyer

Luke Ayling profiles as a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line. Elite qualities include heading, which make them a threat in aerial battles. At 34, Luke Ayling brings invaluable experience and leadership.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-4-2 (in a back four)3-5-2 (as a center-back with freedom)

✅ Key Strengths

  • heading

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Luke Ayling fits the profile of a modern Destroyer – a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Luke Ayling apart from other defenders? It's the combination of heading that creates a unique profile. This season's 7.3 average rating proves these qualities are translating to consistent performances.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Luke Ayling's career trajectory changed in 2016 when Bristol City agreed to let them join Leeds United. The €0.9M move represented a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Luke Ayling's abilities. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: In the twilight of a career at 34, Luke Ayling's focus shifts to legacy. Whether mentoring young players, pursuing coaching badges, or seeking one final trophy, the next chapter awaits.

📊 Championship 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Luke Ayling has made 24 appearances in their competition, contributing 1 goals and 3 assists. With an average rating of 7.27, Luke Ayling has been excellent. Accumulating 1865 minutes, Luke Ayling averages 78 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Luke Ayling has maintained solid form with an average rating of 6.88. Performance ratings ranged from 6.7 to 7.3, demonstrating reliable consistency.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Luke Ayling compares to league average this season

⚽ Goals1
0Avg: 325
🎯 Assists3
0Avg: 215
📅 Appearances24
0Avg: 1538
⭐ Average Rating7.3
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played1865
0Avg: 9003420
🎯 Shots on Target3
0Avg: 1060

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: Middlesbrough

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/15/2026

📈Market Trend

€0.4M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2024
Leeds United→Middlesbrough
Free
2024
Middlesbrough→Leeds United
-
2024
Leeds United→Middlesbrough
-
2016
Bristol City→Leeds United
€0.87M
2014
Yeovil Town→Bristol City
Unknown
2010
Arsenal U21→Yeovil Town
Free
2010
Arsenal U21→Yeovil Town
-

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: NaN
2/3/2025Championship
6.8
2/12/2025Championship
7.3
2/15/2025Championship
6.8
2/25/2025Championship
6.8
3/1/2025Championship
6.7
8/9/2025Championship
7.3
8/12/2025EFL Cup
7.0
8/16/2025Championship
7.9
8/23/2025Championship
6.8
8/30/2025Championship
8.0
9/13/2025Championship
6.9
9/19/2025Championship
7.5
9/27/2025Championship
8.5
9/30/2025Championship
7.3
10/4/2025Championship
6.5

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

7 transfers

Transfer Fee Progression

2016
€0.87M
DateFromToFee
7/1/2024Leeds UnitedMiddlesbroughFree
5/31/2024MiddlesbroughLeeds United-
1/10/2024Leeds UnitedMiddlesbrough-
8/11/2016Bristol CityLeeds United870k €
7/8/2014Yeovil TownBristol CityUnknown
7/1/2010Arsenal U21Yeovil TownFree
3/17/2010Arsenal U21Yeovil Town-

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Luke Ayling's professional football journey began at Arsenal U21, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Luke Ayling developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Luke Ayling has taken them through 5 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer. The most significant transfer came when Luke Ayling moved from Bristol City to Leeds United for €0.9M, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

Currently, Luke Ayling represents Middlesbrough, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2024, Luke Ayling continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Luke Ayling into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Luke Ayling's performance in context, their average rating of 7.27 positions them among above-average performers for their position. With 4 direct goal contributions (1 goals, 3 assists) in 24 appearances, Luke Ayling averages 0.17 goal contributions per match. Averaging 78 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a defender at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Luke Ayling's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Luke Ayling, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

Middlesbrough(Current club)EN footballers(Players from EN)Top defenders(Best players in this position)Leeds United(Former club)Middlesbrough(Former club)Leeds United(Former club)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Luke Ayling

What position does Luke Ayling play?▼
Luke Ayling is a professional defender who currently plays for Middlesbrough. As a defender, Luke Ayling is primarily responsible for defensive duties, aerial challenges, and building play from the back.
How old is Luke Ayling?▼
Luke Ayling is 34 years old, born on August 25, 1991. At 34, Luke Ayling is in the twilight of their career, contributing their wealth of experience.
What team does Luke Ayling play for in 2026?▼
Luke Ayling currently plays for Middlesbrough. They joined the club in 2024.
How tall is Luke Ayling?▼
Luke Ayling stands at 183cm (6'0") tall. This height is typical for a defender.
What is Luke Ayling's market value in 2026?▼
Luke Ayling's current estimated transfer market value is €415K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
What nationality is Luke Ayling?▼
Luke Ayling is a EN footballer.
What are Luke Ayling's career statistics?▼
This season, Luke Ayling has made 24 appearances, scored 1 goals, and provided 3 assists. Their average match rating is 7.27.
Where did Luke Ayling start their career?▼
Luke Ayling's professional career began at Arsenal U21. Since then, they have made 7 career moves across various clubs.
What is Luke Ayling's preferred foot?▼
Luke Ayling is predominantly right-footed. This conventional preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Luke Ayling's main strengths as a player?▼
Luke Ayling's primary strengths include heading. These attributes make them particularly effective in aerial battles.
What was Luke Ayling's highest transfer fee?▼
Luke Ayling's highest recorded transfer fee was €0.9M when moving from Bristol City to Leeds United.
What is Luke Ayling's current form like?▼
Based on their average rating of 7.27 this season, Luke Ayling's current form can be described as excellent. They have scored 1 goals and provided 3 assists in 24 appearances.
What shirt number does Luke Ayling wear?▼
Luke Ayling wears the number 12 shirt for Middlesbrough. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
What is Luke Ayling's playing style?▼
As a defender, Luke Ayling brings heading to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a dr or dc.
K

✓ KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Luke Ayling
Nationality
EN
Age
34 years
Height
183 cm
Position
Defender
Foot
Right
Shirt
#12

📅 Season Stats

1
Goals
3
Assists
24
Apps
7.27
Rating

🔗 Explore