Last season any Leeds United fan could argue that the most important players to the team included Ao Tanaka, Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon. This season, the Whites will be without Solomon in the Premier League.
Leeds have brought in nine signings this summer. Looking at the squad it would be quite difficult to predict who will be the best performer in the team for the Premier League season. Monday night’s game against Everton gave a good idea of some names that could potentially have that honour by the end of the season.
Tanaka, Stach and Gudmundsson all showed out during the 1-0 win. Fans will be hoping the team can repeat that performance away to Arsenal over the weekend.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
ESPN believe this Leeds United player is a ‘wildcard’
Credit: Imago
Despite all the names mentioned above, sports media giant ESPN believe there will be a huge contributor to Leeds’ campaign who has yet to play a single minute. Harry Gray has been tipped to be Leeds’ wildcard this season, despite making his first team debut at the end of last season.
“Gray is a proper wildcard in Leeds’ attack… The younger brother of Tottenham defender Archie Gray, Harry brings the same remarkable maturity – only higher up the pitch – with incisive runs across the line, fine first touches, close control in crowded spaces and a natural calm in front of goal.” ESPN wrote in their ‘Premier League U21 breakout stars’ article.
“Playing time will obviously be carefully managed at his age, yet his level already looks high enough to get a taste of Premier League football and Leeds have a history of blooding young players if they are good enough.”
What Daniel Farke has said about Harry Gray
According to Farke, the plan is to let Gray develop without all the pressure surrounding him. The young striker will keep training with the youth team and the first team while learning from the current options in the squad.
”The plan is to take the focus away from him and not to speak about him too much. 16-year-old youngster, I won’t speak too much about Harry because it’s difficult when you play for Leeds United, you have this last name, the whole stadium singing your name and everyone expects you to celebrate once we get promoted as if you are the only one promoted.”
The young striker has already opened his account for the U21 side this season.
The earlier we start to play Gray, the earlier the vultures will start circling. Mind you with the combined injury record of our front line, we may end up having to play him.