Luke Ayling's performance in Leeds United's madcap win over Birmingham City was "absolutely outstanding", according to former Queens Park Rangers manager Ian Holloway.
The right-back scored one goal and created two more in the Whites' nine-goal thriller against the Blues, to help his side back to victorious ways with a 5-4 triumph at St Andrew's.
Marcelo Bielsa's men reclaimed the summit of the Championship with their final game of 2019, to put themselves in prime position for another Premier League promotion push.
Speaking on EFL on Quest as a pundit, ex-Blackpool boss Holloway was effusive in his praise for Ayling, singling out the defender for helping to arrest United's mixed run of form.
"Luke Ayling just summed it up for me," he stated. "I thought he was absolutely outstanding today. [He] scored his first goal, made two others. What a game he's had."
"[He was] absolutely outstanding, he just kept driving forward. The ability he's got to do that - he just kept moving forward."
Further pressed on just what the result meant for Leeds - who had previously taken two points from their last three points - Holloway was quick to stress how key victory was for reaffirming their credentials, paying additional tribute to their manager's vision.
"It's absolutely vital," he added. "You can't help [but] make comparisons to last year and how it all ended, but that is so vital."
"Look how many bodies [Leeds] get in the box. That's Bielsa for you - he's made them so brilliant to watch. I just feel a bit for Birmingham, but I'd be very worried if I was anyone else now because they're showing lots of spirit."
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