Leeds United: Don Goodman makes Archie Gray prediction after Elland Road transfer development
Don Goodman expects “outstanding” Connor Roberts to replace Archie Gray at right-back for Leeds United after joining from Burnley.
Wales international Roberts arrived at Elland Road on deadline day last week on a loan deal until the end of the campaign.
The 28-year-old is in line to make his debut against Rotherham United on Saturday (10 February), having been ineligible for the past two games.
Should that be the case, Gray – a central midfielder by trade – would likely have to make way from the side.
Discussing the impressive piece of transfer business, Goodman told MOT Leeds News: “It’s a smart move from Leeds United. Young Archie Gray has done superb at right-back, but he’s not a right-back.
“I think once or twice he’s been exposed up against tricky wide players running at him – rarely, but it has happened once or twice. That doesn’t happen if you have an orthodox right-back at Leeds in Connor Roberts.
“He’s also a progressive right-back; a modern right-back who can contribute goals and assists as well. You only have to look last season at Burnley when he was outstanding, excellent.
“I think he’s a real coup for Leeds United if I’m honest with you. Now the onus is on him to get into the team week in and week out.
“He’ll have to show an awful lot in training and then in games when he’s given game time in order to do that, so it’s a win-win for Leeds and it’s a win-win for Connor Roberts.”
Daniel Farke has big Leeds selection call to make
Gray has been outstanding for Leeds on the whole since shifting into right-back earlier in the campaign, earning links with a move to the Premier League.
The 17-year-old made his debut in central midfield against Cardiff City on the opening weekend and has played in that position nine times.
However, as per WhoScored, he has started 18 games at right-back and has been a mainstay there for a number of months now.
As Goodman points out, though, Gray has been caught out at times defensively, which is entirely understandable given his age and the fact he is playing out of position.
Roberts was the best right-back in the league last season and is surely good enough to be playing regularly for a Premier League side, even if Vincent Kompany disagrees.
The experienced defender was not signed to provide cover between now and the end of the season, and it may well be that he comes straight into the side against Rotherham.
If that does happen, Gray would then be in contention to start in holding midfield. At the same time, Daniel Farke will not want to tinker with a winning formula too much.
It makes for a selection dilemma, but one that the German coach will no doubt welcome.
In other Leeds United, a teenage goalkeeper could help ease some transfer concerns at Elland Road after recent developments.
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