Leeds United have a midfield gem in their ranks who has already caught the attention of Jesse Marsch in Archie Gray.
This is according to journalist Louise Taylor, who has been writing for The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation’ list, with a focus on the 16-year-old Leeds ace.
Gray has made a positive start to the Premier League 2 campaign with two assists in four appearances – in which Leeds have picked up maximum points.
This is already an improvement to the single assist he managed in last season’s competition – where he had also added a goal to his tally in 14 matches (via Transfermarkt).
Having now left school, Taylor has highlighted the youngster as a player to watch in the coming years as he continues to excel at under-21 level.
She wrote: “Although he did not leave school in North Yorkshire until the spring, some of his lessons took place at Leeds’ Thorp Arch training base last season after Marsch’s predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, spotted this outstanding, ball-playing, attacking midfield talent in academy games last season.
“Perhaps significantly, he spent a decade attending twice-weekly Brazilian futsal classes, but Marsch is as impressed by the teenager’s character and maturity as his exceptional technical ability and vision.”
TIF Thoughts on Taylor’s comments…
It is so impressive to see a player of just 16 years of age playing at under-21 level. At the age of just 15, Marcelo Bielsa trusted the midfielder to be included in the first-team squad amid the club’s injury issues.
Is Gray Leeds' most excitng prospect?
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And it does seem as if Gray has caught Marsch’s eye, having been named in the American’s matchday squad on a number of occasions, including on the opening day of the current term.
Although he has not made it off the bench, it is a real sign he could become a part of Marsch’s Leeds side to some extent in the months to come.