All the hype is about Harry Gray at U21 level and rightly so, especially after his sensational hat-trick in a 3-1 win away at Scunthorpe United on Tuesday night for Leeds United’s second string.
Gray, the younger brother of Archie, son of Andy, grandson of Frank and great nephew of Eddie, is going to make it in Daniel Farke’s side. It feels as though it is just a matter of time before he makes the step up.
But actually, Gray is not the only one. There is a real sense that Leeds have a good pool of academy stars coming through. Rhys Chadwick’s 26 goals and assists last season earned him a call-up in pre-season.
Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew have made their debuts in the last 12 months alongside Gray. There are more too, Josh McDonald has caught the eye this season, as has Charlie’s younger brother Alfie Cresswell.
Alfie Cresswell has direct request for Daniel Farke after new deal
It must be remembered that at this stage, Cresswell is 18. Yet, alongside Jonny Howson, Gray and other elder members in the U21 side, Cresswell is captaining the side at the base of Scott Gardner’s midfield.
His impressive performances, and his two goals in four games this season, have earned Cresswell a three-year contract. If his brother is anything to go by, Leeds have got themselves another Thorp Arch gem.
Speaking to LUTV after his new deal, Cresswell made a request of Farke. He highlighted the importance of being with the first-team and training alongside Farke’s men. “Hopefully” he can do it a lot more often.
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“Training with the first team, there has been a lot more quality and high standards, so it has made me play better in training. Hopefully I can train with the first team a bit more, score more and add to the team.”
There is a pathway into the first team for Alfie Cresswell
Currently, Leeds have six senior central midfielders. One of them has gone on loan in the form of Crew, to Doncaster. After earning his first Wales start, Crew earned praise from Doncaster boss Grant McCann.
Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff arrived in the summer, joining Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu. But we have already seen this season that a couple of injuries creates an immediate path into the side.
Alfie Cresswell in action for Leeds U21's.
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Ampadu is no stranger to injury and Stach, Longstaff and Tanaka are better further forward. Gruev is the replacement for Ampadu, but how long will Gruev be willing to simply be back-up to skipper Ampadu?
It is largely foreseeable that Gruev leaves Leeds in the next year or two, and perhaps after a loan, the 18-year-old gem that is Cresswell could be given a chance. It is harder to earn that chance in the top flight.