Harry Gray and the next Kalvin Phillips – the Leeds youngsters set for breakout season
Leeds United already have some exciting young talent on their hands.
It is hard to predict how a young player’s career will unfold at Elland Road.
Just last summer, Mateo Joseph was having an outstanding pre-season and looking set to lead United’s frontline for many years to come.
Fast forward one year, and he is trying to force a move out, whilst another highly touted prospect in James Debayo was released by the club.
Despite the uncertainty regarding their futures, MOT Leeds News picks out three players who are well positioned to have a breakout season for the Whites next campaign.
Harry Gray to feature under Farke
The surname ‘Gray’ certainly needs no introduction at Leeds, and Harry is the latest member of the family to don the famous white shirt.
His brother Archie unexpectedly burst onto the scene during Daniel Farke’s first season in charge and featured in all but two of their Championship fixtures, becoming a pivotal member of the team.
Archie Gray 2023/24 stats for Leeds in the Championship:
- Appearances – 44
- Starts – 40
- Minutes per game – 82
- Total minutes – 3613
Archie’s form earned him a blockbuster move to Tottenham Hotspur after just one season of senior football, and whilst Harry is unlikely to be deployed by Farke anywhere near as often in the Premier League, he could still make a name for himself.
Unlike his brother, who is a midfielder and makeshift right-back by trade, Harry, who is only 16, plays up front.
Striker is a notorious position that needs to be filled in the transfer window by the 49ers this summer, and whilst the teenager is unlikely to be the solution for Farke right now to lead the line, Gray may find himself featuring off the bench and in cup competitions next season.
Gray has already featured in pre-season for the Whites against Manchester United, and supporters will be hoping that Harry follows in the footsteps of Eddie Gray and sticks around at Leeds for many years.
Rory Mahady to work his way up the goalkeeper ranks
With the arrival of Lucas Perri, Leeds have finally addressed the goalkeeper position in what is arguably their most pivotal signing of the summer.
With Illan Meslier having an uncertain future in West Yorkshire and an ageing Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns being the only two other senior shot stoppers, Mahady could establish himself as the third or even second-choice ‘keeper next season.
Mahady, 18, is a Scottish youth international and featured 17 times for the Under-21s in the Premier League 2 last season.
After recently putting pen to paper on a new three-year deal at Thorp Arch, the youngster could potentially climb his way up the goalkeeper ranks at Leeds next season, potentially making his senior debut in cup competitions next season.
Rhys Chadwick-Chaplin could force his way into Farke’s squad
Leeds have produced some fine midfielders over the years, from the likes of David Batty to Kalvin Phillips in more recent times.
Leeds will be hoping they have another midfield gem on their hands in Chadwick-Chaplin, with the 18-year-old – who plays predominantly in holding midfield – hoping to force his way into Farke’s squad next season.
Due to the pressure Leeds will likely be under in their fight against relegation from the Premier League, Chadwick-Chaplin is unlikely to feature much in the top flight.
With Farke likely to be eager to rest key players in the FA Cup, for example, however, this could present the youngster with a chance to impress in the Whites‘ engine room.
And all it takes is one eye-catching display for a player to all of a sudden become fan favourite number one.
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