Leeds United
Archie Gray Credit: Imago
Harry Gray has been the talk of the town at Leeds United over the last year. Ever since the young striker made his first appearance, he has been destined for great things.
Daniel Farke allowed him to train with the first team this season, and even named him in Premier League matchday squads. Fans were hoping for him to break into the lineup like his older brother, who had a sensational campaign in his first professional season. Harry Gray went out on loan, but his first season was cut short as he is rehabbing at Thorp Arch.
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Eddie Gray gives verdict on Spurs star Archie Gray
Archie Gray is a name Leeds United fans will always remember fondly. He earned his way into the team playing as a right back before Daniel Farke put him in midfield. It was his performances in the middle of the park that convinced Tottenham to pay big money for him.
His time at Spurs has not been the greatest, with the constant managerial changes. And when Archie Gray has had the chance, he has often been played out of position. The youngster’s great uncle Eddie Gray has said that the 20-year old will end up in his original position as a midfielder.
“I know he’s one of the family but I must say that when I watch him play, he plays in a mature fashion.” Gray said speaking to talkSPORT.
“He doesn’t let things get to him and he keeps trying to do the right things and I hope that continues for him, he’s a level headed lad anyway.
“I think he will end up being a box-to-box midfielder, that’s where his strengths are because he’s a great runner with the ball and he gets forward with his pace and energy.
“I think he will end up as a central midfielder.”
Leeds United play Spurs in one of their final eight league games of their season, with what is set to be an intense relegation clash.
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Leeds United could do with Gray in midfield now
Daniel Farke has been after a specific profile in the midfield over the last few years. Leeds United have not managed to provide him with that, and even their signing of Facundo Buonanotte in January has been a big failure. When Gray broke out in the first team, he was used out of position for a while. But when he played in midfield, he showed a lot – creativity and control. That helped boost the Whites that year, and saw them play some of their best football.
Currently, the team is stacked with midfielders who are more suited to the physical style of the Premier League. Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff are the typical box-to-box midfielders, while Ethan Ampadu is a more defensive option. Gruev and Tanaka provide the qualities of both roles. If Farke had Archie Gray in midfield this season, the team would be far better of than they are currently.