Leeds United’s Archie Gray has been a revelation for the club since making his professional debut in the Whites’ season-opener against Cardiff City, with his impressive performances rightfully gaining plaudits.
Displaying a composure and ability to read the game which belies his 17 years, Gray was once again immense in Leeds’ 4-0 demolition of Swansea in the Championship yesterday evening, a victory which saw his side go above Southampton to second in the league table.
Naturally a midfielder but deployed at right-back for the majority of the season by Whites boss Daniel Farke, the talented youngster showed his ability to contribute to the attack as well as defend last night in a perfectly weighted overhead through-ball to set up Leeds’ third goal against the Swans, scored by in-form winger Willy Gnonto.
The quality of Gray’s performances of late have given Farke something to consider at right-back, with January deadline day loan signing Connor Roberts yet to be handed a place in the German’s starting XI.
Gray ‘absolutely superb’ against Swansea, says Newsome
In a contest in which it was incredibly difficult to choose a man of the match for Leeds, Jon Newsome singled out the performance of Gray for praise, claiming that the 17-year-old possesses a maturity and mentality that goes beyond his tender years.
“I think sometimes it is quite easy to forget he is only 17. You look at him now and he’s like this experienced, quality footballer,” Newsome told BBC Radio Leeds.
“He’s a kid! But he’s not a kid, he’s a kid in a man’s body with a man’s mentality. He is way wise beyond his years… absolutely superb young man.”
Gray undoubtedly a generational talent with so much potential
This Leeds United team is one which is brimming with individual quality across all areas of the pitch, with Gray in the right-back berth being no exception in this regard.
Cool, composed, and unafraid to get forward and assist the attack whether in midfield or at full-back, the young Englishman certainly has a bright future ahead of him if he continues developing his game.
Not many 17-year-olds would find themselves able to nail down a consistent starting spot in a Championship squad yet this is exactly what Gray has done, keeping experienced January signing Roberts out of the team in the process.
The sky really is the limit for Gray, and there will be no group of people more willing to see him succeed than the Elland Road faithful, given his long-standing family ties with the club and his status as a Whites fan himself. Long may his time at Leeds continue.
