Leeds United have one of the best academies in the country. Archie Gray Gray has the potential to be the best of them, but he’s not the only one.
There are few things Leeds fans love more than seeing one of their own step out onto the Elland Road turf for the first time. An impressive 3-0 win against Derby U21s got us thinking about the future.
Here are our three picks for players that could be the next big thing.
Luca Thomas: Striker
Luca Thomas. Credit: Imago Images
Although primarily used as a striker, Thomas is capable of playing up top, or on either wing. At 19 years old, he’s had an impressive campaign with the U18s and U21s this season.
Originally coming through the ranks at Manchester City, he’s currently United’s joint top goalscorer in Premier League 2 with four goals so far this season.
With Leeds’ current first-team forwards not firing on all cylinders, manager Daniel Farke might be wise to give Thomas an opportunity to impress.
Charlie Crewe: Defensive Midfielder
Charlie Crewe. Credit: Imago Images
Crewe is the current Leeds United U21s captain, and it’s easy to see why. He’s everything a defensive midfielder needs to be, calm on the ball but not scared to stick his foot in if needs be.
He’s represented Wales all the way through their youth teams, making his debut for their U21s last August in a friendly against Liechtenstein.
At just 17 years old, Crewe made the move from Cardiff City in 2022 for an undisclosed fee and has since become an important member of Leeds’ youth setup.
Joe Snowdon: Central Midfielder
Joe Snowdon. Credit: Imago Images
One thing Leeds United have missed this season is a goalscoring midfielder. Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev are both more defensive-minded, but Snowdon offers something different.
The stocky midfielder’s low centre of gravity makes it hard to get the ball off him, and he’s scored four times for the U21s in just 10 appearances so far this season.
Should Gray resist the urge to leave in the near future, don’t be surprised if you see these two forming a formidable partnership sometime soon.
