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Daniel Farke heaps praise on Archie Gray after he coped 'excellently' in Leeds United win v Norwich
Daniel Farke has once again praised Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray after he performed “excellently” during the Whites’ win over Norwich City.
Leeds came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Carrow Road on Saturday (21 October), thanks to a second-half brace from Crysencio Summerville and an own goal from Shane Duffy, after the centre-back opened the scoring for the home side.
While Gray wasn’t as impressive as he was before the international break, when he started at right-back against Bristol City, Farke was quick to sing the praises of the 17-year-old believing that he once again shone out of his preferred position.
As quoted by Phil Hay on Twitter (21 October) he said: “It was a difficult game because he had to defend against Hernandez. I think he did more or less excellently. Yes, he’s had games where he looked brighter.
“Not the biggest spotlight performance but sometimes you have to go through a difficult task.”
Out of the spotlight
When you consider that many thought Gray wouldn’t start having had such a busy international break with England under-19’s over the last few weeks, few Leeds United supporters could have asked for more from the 17-year-old on Saturday.
No player managed to make more tackles than Gray with four and he won nine of his 12 attempted ground duels against the very lively Onel Hernandez who has caused plenty of full-back problems during his long career in England.
It may not be a bad thing for both Leeds and Gray for the teenager to take a step out of the spotlight as Farke put it, as there has been a lot of attention paid to the midfielder in the last few weeks. While he seems like the sort of steady character who can deal with that attention, a break from the spotlight may not be a bad thing.
Between now and the new year, the fixtures come thick and fast, both for Leeds and England and it is only natural that every player, including Gray, will have matches where they are quieter than they usually have been. Supporters have to remember that the midfielder is only 17 and thriving in England’s second tier and is currently keeping Championship and Premier League stalwart Luke Ayling out of the side.
In other Leeds United news, Real Betis may be unable to afford their buy option to make Marc Roca’s stay in Spain permanent