It’s getting harder and harder to ignore Leeds United teen Harry Gray after another starring performance for the U21s last night, bagging a hattrick against Scunthorpe.
It’s no secret that United are struggling to get goals this season, yet to score in the Premier League from open play. Lukas Nmecha’s penalty against Everton is their only goal so far.
Daniel Farke must resolve the issue as soon as possible, but there have been huge calls overnight for a unique solution from within the club’s academy.
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Harry Gray scores stunning hattrick in National League Cup against Scunthorpe
Away from the first team, Harry Gray is having a sensational start to the 25/26 campaign in the U21s.
He’s scored four and assisted one in the PL2 against fellow U21 sides, assisted once in the EFL Trophy against League One Port Vale. Now, he has three in the National League Cup.
A trip to Glanford Park and Scunthorpe United last night brought a hattrick for the 16-year-old. His second and third were stunning strikes:
Daniel Farke has already discussed possibility of Leeds United sensation Harry Gray making Premier League debut
The reaction to Gray’s hattrick is unsurprising, especially when juxtaposed with Leeds’ attack being toothless in the Premier League.
He’s already made his senior debut for the club at 16. Gray came off the bench late on in the 6-0 win over Stoke City in April, as his celebrations following promotion stole the show, with fans constantly singing his name.
Could Premier League football be on the horizon for Gray as a result of his consistent form in the U21s?
At 16, Harry Gray has already made his senior Leeds United debut. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
Farke has already spoken about the England youth international. He was, though, keen to set the record straight amidst calls for a hasty debut in the top flight.
“The plan is to move to focus away from him and not speak about him too much. He’s a 16-year-old youngster,” he said prior to the Everton clash back in August, via LeedsLive.
“I won’t speak too much about him in the future because it’s difficult when you play for Leeds United with his last name aged 16 when the whole stadium is singing your name and everyone expects him to celebrate once we got promoted like he was the only one promoted. It’s not healthy for the development of the young player.
“My message is leave him alone a little bit and give him time to grow and develop. This is the last time for a while I will speak about Harry in a press conference.”
As talented as Harry Gray is, he is not the solution to Leeds United’s current problems
It would be amazing if Gray was capable of stepping into the Premier League at 16.
The rapid progression of players like Lamine Yamal at Barcelona, as well as Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman closer to home suggests you can play a 16-year-old at Premier League level.
Is Gray ready for those sorts of conversations? His exploits suggest it’s a matter of time before he’s playing Premier League football.
That being said, scoring three against a fifth tier side is not nearly the same as playing in the best league in the world.
His time will come. For now, there’s no point expecting Farke to change his stance, he knows better than most how talented Gray is.
Should Harry Gray make his PL debut soon? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!