Leeds United: Archie Gray on same trajectory as Real Madrid megastar Jude Bellingham
Archie Gray scored his first goal for Leeds United on what was his 36th appearance for the club in the 3-1 win over Leicester City.
While there was initially some disputed who the goal would be credited to, Gray was quick to claim it – and rightly so.
Each of those games Gray has played in a Leeds shirt have come this season, having been handed his debut against Cardiff City in August.
Archie Gray lighting up Elland Road
The youngster was named Man of the Match after dominating the central midfield area, yet it is at right-back he has been used more often.
Indeed, he was hailed as “phenomenal” by Jermaine Beckford on the back of that performance.
Wherever he has played, he has done a job. With 2,707 league minutes to his name this term, only two other outfielders have played more.
Thirty of Gray’s appearances have come from the start of Championship matches, which puts him in some esteemed company.
According to Opta’s Jonny Cooper via Twitter [26 February], no player younger than 18 has managed that since Jude Bellingham at Birmingham City in 2019-20 (32 starts).
Birmingham fans were adamant they had a world-class player in the making on their hands in Bellingham, and so it proved as he is now thriving at Real Madrid.
Archie Gray already attracting Premier League interest
The same is true of Gray, who really does have the world at his feet and is already wanted by numerous Premier League clubs.
Gray leads the way among Leeds players for tackles per game this campaign (2.2) and dribbles (0.8) [WhoScored].
Factor in his versatility in that he can also play in central midfield and it is clear that Gray is not just another academy graduate.
Given he has yet to even turn 18, there is no reason why Gray cannot emulate Bellingham in going on to play for a world giant.
However, Leeds fans will hope that move does not come as early into his career as Bellingham, with the teen hopefully here to stay for a while longer yet.
In other Leeds United news, the EFL’s stance has been shared should the Whites pull off a “minor miracle”.
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