Pundit tips ‘Absolutely Unbelievable’ Archie Gray to keep Djed Spence out of Leeds United starting lineup
Archie Gray has been backed to keep summer signing Djed Spence out of the Leeds United starting lineup by pundit Ali Maxwell.
Speaking on the Not Top 20 podcast (11 December), the pundit hailed the brilliance of the 17-year-old this season, whether it be in central midfield or in his new position of right-back.
And Maxwell also praised Daniel Farke for believing in him over more experienced options like Spence and Luke Ayling, and backed the youngster to continue impressing in upcoming games and start getting some more recognition.
“What pleases me the most [about Leeds] is that they’re starting a 17-year-old in every game and he looks absolutely unbelievable,” he said.
“Having started in a central-midfield role, and sort of eased out of that area of the pitch with Glen Kamara developing his partnership with Ethan Ampadu. Now, [Farke’s] shifted him to right-back.
“He’s not worried about Luke Ayling or Djed Spence. He wants 17-year-old Archie Gray to play there, because he is so good on the ball. Particularly these days when you’re a dominant team, it is your full-backs and centre-backs who have the majority of the touches of the ball in your team.
“Therefore, having someone who can dictate the play in those sorts of areas makes quite a lot of sense. He’s a very, very hard worker out of possession. You can imagine he’s just desperate to impress, to improve, and seems to be doing that every single week.
“His assist here for Summerville with the outside of his right foot, just really, really excellent technique. His first goal contribution in the league this season.
“We’re loving a bit of Archie Gray. There’s some big games coming up in the next few weeks in the Championship, so it would be good to see more of him shining live on the [television] box and getting more recognition.”
Quality
It cannot ever be easy as a 17-year-old to walk into a senior changing room for a club where everyone already knows your name, and actually make a difference.
Leeds have known for a long time that they have a gem on their hands in Gray, but at 17 he shouldn’t be good enough to make an impact over experienced veterans week in and week out.
Spence’s arrival in the summer was greeted with cheers and excitement because of how good he was for Nottingham Forest a few seasons ago, but while injuries have stopped him getting a chance now it’s Gray who stands in his way.
It’s no wonder that the likes of Liverpool have been linked with a move for Gray, but right now the focus of the club simply has to be getting promotion back to the Premier League and Gray is a huge part of that.
Leeds have probably got the best squad in the Championship now and the fact this kid is one of the first names on the teamsheet says it all about his quality. What a player.
In other Leeds news, Phil Hay shares fresh injury blow as first-team ace set to miss multiple games.