Daniel Farke: Archie Gray will benefit most from latest Leeds United arrivals
Daniel Farke believes the arrivals of Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev late in the transfer window will benefit teenage star Archie Gray more than anyone at Leeds United.
Leeds brought in midfield pair Kamara and Gruev from Rangers and Werder Bremen respectively last week for a reported combined fee of around £9million.
Gray has been used as a stopgap in holding midfield early in the season to good effect, although the two new signings could limit his playing time.
However, Farke does not necessarily see that as a bad thing for the youngster’s development.
“In the heart of the game, in the middle of the park, you want to be strong and you can’t rely just on one player,” he is quoted as saying by Leeds Live [8 September].
“With all praise, we are unbelievably happy with the development of Archie Gray – but sorry, but we can’t just rely on that 17-year-old guy each and every second he’s available.
“So it’s also good that I think it will be beneficial not just for our group but even for Ethan [Ampadu] and for Archie that they don’t have to carry all the burden and all the liability for these positions, and it’s definitely good business for our squad.”
Options
Gray has always been highly thought of behind the scenes at Elland Road, but it was not until the 2-2 draw with Cardiff City on the opening day of the Championship season that many got their first look at him.
The 17-year-old has started all seven of United’s matches in all competitions thus far and has more than held his own in the centre of the pitch.
However, as Farke rightly says, you cannot go a whole Championship season relying on a player as inexperienced as Gray in such a key position.
That said, hopefully the signings of Kamara and Gruev do not block the academy product’s place in the side entirely.
Both can be used in holding midfield, but they are also adaptable and it may be that Farke looks to use one or both of them in a slightly more advanced area.
Either way, having numerous options in central midfield has given Farke a welcome headache.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites may have another Gray on their hands following a development over the international break.