Diego Llorente and Robin Koch's Premier League displays have been among the highlights of Leeds' season for head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Both central defenders have overcome injury since arriving in the summer to leave Bielsa convinced they have big roles to play in the club's bid to establish themselves in the top flight.
Spain international Llorente was dogged by successive muscle strains after joining from Real Sociedad in September for a reported £18million, but has emerged as a polished and reliable performer.
"Ayling has all the capabilities to be a leader and a conductor for the team. For me, he has the most important virtue.
"He doesn't speak too much and he acts in the way it should be. He leads by example."
Leeds, 10th in the table, are aiming for a fourth straight Premier League win for the first time in 20 years, while Liverpool are also chasing a fourth consecutive league victory in pursuit of a top-four finish.
