Archie Gray Leeds United first-team prediction made by former Under-23 boss
Former Leeds United U-23s boss Mark Jackson has tipped Archie Gray to make his first-team debut at Elland Road in the upcoming season.
The 17-year-old is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and great nephew of Eddie Gray – all of who played for the Whites.
The midfielder hit the headlines when he started training with the Leeds first team under Marcelo Bielsa when he was just 15 and was named on the bench against Arsenal in December 2021, with Jackson now tipping him to make his debut at Elland Road as the new season draws closer.
“What really accelerated Archie’s progression was when he had a growth spurt and began to navigate his way around the pitch and dominate it,” Jackson told Daily Mail Plus. “That’s a real strength of Archie’s now – he can go box to box and that’s what modern midfielders need to do.
“I played with his dad at Leeds and Andy was always very fit, as was Eddie during his career. Archie’s fitness has allowed him to keep moving up the ladder and I think it’s a given that he’ll make his debut this season. I certainly envisage Archie impacting Leeds’ squad this year.”
Exciting prospect
It will no doubt be pleasing for Leeds fans to hear that they have another exciting prospect at the club who looks to be closing in on being handed his first-team debut, having been at Elland Road since he was eight years old.
It may be surprising to some that he hasn’t played for the senior side yet after being drafted into the squad for the game at Arsenal a couple of years ago and being named on the bench towards the end of last season.
But as it was pointed out by Jackson, who knows him extremely well from his time working within the academy setup, he will more than likely receive his opportunity before too long and he will be eager to impress.
It will be a proud moment for everyone that knows him once the day does eventually arrive, as yet another member of the Gray family pulls on the famous Whites shirt.
If he can live up to the expectations those that know him best have placed upon him, then he could be a valuable addition to Daniel Farke’s squad in the upcoming campaign.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are looking to include a sell-on clause as one Euro club are looking to sign their defender.