Leeds United make Archie Gray admission after Connor Roberts transfer at Elland Road
Leeds United never wanted to compromise Archie Gray’s playing time at Elland Road this season, despite being keen to sign Connor Roberts in January, according to Phil Hay.
The 17-year-old, who is a midfielder by trade, has been a key part of Daniel Farke’s side so far this season, impressing both in the middle of the park and at right-back where he has been the preferred option.
While Farke and those around him at Elland Road were keen to add Roberts to their ranks in January, Hay suggests he was never expected to immediately replace Gray who has now almost made himself undroppable with his recent displays.
Speaking on The Square Ball (22 February, 22:30) he said: “When they were looking for a right-back during the January window, I remember somebody at the club saying they were very conscious of wanting a good right-back and they got Connor Roberts who is a very good right-back.
“But they didn’t want that to immediately compromise Gray’s minutes, they still wanted Gray to be in the team and they still wanted him to be playing and actually, if anything, he’s got better since Roberts has come in which has made it impossible for Farke to drop him.
“It would have to be a fitness thing to get Roberts into the team.”
Will Leeds United let Archie Gray go this summer?
It speaks volumes of just how good Gray has been this season that Farke still views his development as more important to Leeds United than immediately integrating Roberts into the starting XI after the January window.
Most pundits and supporters had expected the teenager to immediately revert back to a central midfield role and play second fiddle to the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Even though he’s only 17, Gray has become as crucial as any other player to this current Leeds side and it is going to take something dramatic for him to lose his place anytime soon. Roberts may have won the Championship last season, but that doesn’t guarantee him a start.
Hopefully, the Whites will be able to brush off any transfer interest this summer and keep their academy gem at Elland Road, no matter what division they are playing their football in.
In other Leeds United news, an update has emerged surrounding Crysencio Summerville’s future at Elland Road this summer
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