By Dan Carter

15th Oct, 2023 | 8:10am

Journalist shares Jesse Marsch stance on Leeds United sensation Archie Gray

Journalist Dean Jones has revealed that Jesse Marsch was an admirer of Archie Gray during his time at Leeds United, saying the 17-year-old “is worth being excited about.”

Having been one of the brightest prospects in the Leeds academy Gray has gone from strength to strength so far this season under Daniel Farke, featuring in all 11 of the Whites opening Championship matches despite only making his debut on the opening day.

Gray began the season playing in central midfield, his preferred role, but impressed at left-back in Leeds’ win over Bristol City before the international break and journalist Jones believes that the 17-year-old is worthy of the Elland Road crowd’s excitement.

As quoted by Give Me Sport (14 October) the former Eurosport journalist said: “He is so young, but he has been in view for a while now. I remember hearing that Jesse Marsch was really impressed by him when he was at the club. At a team like Leeds, it’s really important to have breakout stars. But if those players also align with your history, all the better.

“He is someone that is worth being excited about. Even when he’s not necessarily playing in his favourite position, he is showing a really good mindset and impressing the fanbase.

“He seems to have all the tools to make himself a key part of what will be in the coming seasons for Leeds.”

Exciting

No Leeds United fans need to be told to get excited about Gray as they and most opposition supporters who have seen him play this season already know that their young star is going to be a serious talent, as he has taken to the Championship like a duck to water.

While his performances in midfield have deservedly earned him praise, his display against the Robins at full-back just showed how good a player he really is, as he didn’t allow the usually threatening Sam Bell a moment of peace down the flank.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Gray so far has been his seemingly remarkable attitude for a 17-year-old he doesn’t appear to be phased by anything that he has faced so far in his short career and has met every challenge head-on without complaint.

To play at The Den against Millwall in one of the EFL’s bigger fixtures and run the game as if you’re playing in the park with your friends on a Sunday morning is not normal and that’s exactly what the 17-year-old did.

Leeds have a real talent on their hands and hopefully, they will be able to see plenty more of him in the coming years.

In other Leeds United, Dan James has shared his happiness having returned to Elland Road from his loan at Fulham