It was reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basri (rahimahullaah) who said:  ”Ayyoub is the leader of the youth of Basra.”  [Hilyatul Awliyaa: 3/3]

When Ayyoub (rahimahullaah) used to narrate a hadeeth to Ibn Seereen (rahimahullaah), he (Ibn Seereen) would say: ”The truthful one has narrated to me.” [Hilyatul Awliyaa: 3/4]

Ibn Shawzab (rahimahullaah) said: When Ayyoub (rahimahullaah) used to be asked a question and he had nothing about it, he would say: ”Ask the people of knowledge.” [Tabaqaat Ibn Sad: 7/247]