Leeds United star Rasmus Kristensen has a 'fight on his hands' to become the first-choice right-back at Elland Road after Luke Ayling extended his contract, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The Whites are still without a head coach, following Jesse Marsch's sacking earlier this month, and Michael Skubala is continuing to serve as the Yorkshire side's caretaker manager.

Leeds latest news - Rasmus Kristensen

Speaking to LUTV, Kristensen has insisted Skubala is doing 'a hell of a job' while Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and director of football Victor Orta search for a permanent successor to Marsch.

The Denmark international, who joined in a £10million deal from Red Bull Salzburg last summer, hailed the caretaker manager's game-plan despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to fellow Premier League strugglers Everton on Saturday.

But Kristensen was made to settle for a substitute appearance at Goodison Park and the £40,000-per-week man's game-time may be restricted further after an internal agreement was reached with fellow right-back Ayling last week.

Leeds triggered a one-year contract extension, keeping the 31-year-old vice-captain at Elland Road until the summer of 2024.

Respected reporter Jones recently told GiveMeSport that Ayling 'never had any intention of leaving' Leeds despite initially entering the final six months of his contract at the turn of the year.

What has Dean Jones said about Kristensen?

Jones believes Kristensen may find it difficult to overtake Ayling at the top of the pecking order for the right-back slot after he committed his future to Leeds.

The journalist feels the former Ajax man will have to put in some improved performances and impress behind the scenes at Thorp Arch if he wants to become one of the first names on the team-sheet.

When asked what Ayling's contract extension means for Kristensen's future, Jones told GiveMeSport: "It means he's got more of a fight on his hands than he probably first expected when he came in.

"But I'd be surprised if anyone thought that Luke Ayling was just going to happily be on his way and leave Leeds United."

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How has Kristensen performed this season?

Sofascore statistics show Kristensen has been averaging 2.7 tackles, 2.2 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per Premier League outing since the campaign got underway.

Those figures emphasise that the 25-year-old, who has made 18 appearances since linking up with Leeds, has played a key role in attempting to keep opponents at bay.

Kristensen has also been handed an average domestic match rating of 6.73 by WhoScored this season, which has only been bettered by Pascal Struijk and Rodrigo among his teammates.

With that being the case, the Dane can count himself unfortunate to have been made to settle for an extended spell out of the starting line-up.

In fact, his substitute appearance against Everton at the weekend was his first Premier League outing since the turn of the year.

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