Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says he does not know how to address Archie Gray playing three games for England U19s during the international break.
Gray has been one of the first names on Leeds United’s team sheet this season, having featured in almost every game. The teenager has caught the eye of many with his displays at Elland Road.
This international break saw him featured in three games in the space of one week with England U19s. Farke says it is “difficult” to address the youngster’s situation with the youth sides:
“It’s a difficult question to answer. It’s a great honour to represent your country, I don’t want to take this away. I don’t blame anyone, any manager. Archie belongs to the best players and if you want to be successful you have to play him. That’s sometimes more important. You have to discuss what is important at youth level, winning trophies or developing players. If it’s titles and points then you have to play Archie, if it’s development, I would question this.”
“First-team football games makes him better as a player and develops his personality, I would question if U19 games improve him as a player. We have many mental awareness days and player wellbeing days and we talk with responsibility but when it comes down to it, we have to win three points, I’m not sure it makes sense to play that many games for his development. We risk him being burnt out.”
This outcome means it is very unlikely that the midfielder will feature in the Norwich game this weekend.
