Harry Gray is once again the Leeds United talent that everyone is talking about. He scored a hattrick in the National League Cup against Scunthorpe United this week.
United’s conveyor belt of talent coming out of Thorp Arch has one of the hottest prospects in recent memory currently looking to break through.
Younger brother of Archie, Harry Gray has been catching the eye for some time at Thorp Arch. His latest exploits have only brought further hype.
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Harry Gray scores hattrick away at Scunthorpe, Leeds United star lauded by opposition
Reigning champions from last season’s inaugural National League Cup, Leeds resumed their 25/26 cup campaign with a trip to Scunthorpe United, looking to shake off the 4-0 defeat to Boston United in the first game.
For Gray, it was a chance from the start to continue his blistering form in the U21s this season. He’s already scored four and assisted one in the PL2, and that same finishing quality was on display again.
Fresh from his senior debut for Leeds United in April, Harry Gray continues to impress in the U21s (Action Images/Matthew Childs)
Tapping in his first as Josh McDonald rolled the ball on a plate for him to make it 1-0, he then restored Leeds’ lead in the second half from a wide free-kick. Gray then completed his hattrick in stunning fashion as he raced towards the Scunthorpe box from halfway, and unleashed a fierce low drive into the bottom corner – again too strong for Iron stopper Rory Watson.
Scunthorpe’s post-match report of the game re-tells the events of the game. In that report, it’s clear that they were eager to gush over the talent on display from Leeds’ 16-year-old sensation.
“Eventually this goal would come and who else would it be but Gray to add the finishing touch to his performance with a stunning third to secure his hat-trick,” the report reads.
“After picking up the ball just inside the Scunthorpe half, the 16-year-old would stride forward with serious intent before unleashing a shot that proved too powerful as it found the bottom corner.”
Daniel Farke has difficult task to develop Harry Gray quickly at Leeds United
Farke made his feelings known about Gray before the senior Premier League campaign even begun. He will not be rushing him into involvement too soon.
It’s the right ploy to take with such a bright talent, even if every corner of the fanbase wants to see him as soon as possible.
Rushing Gray wouldn’t be beneficial for his development, but another season under his belt at U21 level, continuing to impress, gets him so close to regular senior action.
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