Archie Gray importance highlighted as Leeds United gem tops Championship charts

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Published on:

05 Feb 2024, 11:40 am

Archie Gray has burst onto the scene at Leeds United and looks set to be a permanent fixture in the side for years to come.

That is assuming he is not prised away, of course, having already seen his named linked with Premier League clubs - Manchester United among them [Football Transfers].

Gray has played 2,363 minutes in the Championship this season, which is more than any other player aged under 21 has managed.

As per LUFC Data on Twitter [3 February], no player in that age category has kept more clean sheets in the second tier than Gray's seven.

Judging Gray on clean sheets makes sense given he has been a regular at right-back this term, but that is only after a Daniel Farke masterclass.

Archie Gray's Leeds United career to date

With his hand forced, the German shifted the youngster into that position and he has not looked back.

Indeed, Gray leads the way among Leeds players for tackles per game (2.4) [WhoScored], not including the now departed Djed Spence (2.4).

If only to further highlight his attacking qualities, he is also top of the charts in terms of dribbles per game with 0.8.

Hailed as "phenomenal" by Jermaine Beckford for his display on debut against Cardiff City, Gray has only improved in the six months since.

Archie Gray has been superb for Leeds United this season, earning links with a possible transfer to Manchester United

In the 1-0 win over Bristol City, the teen managed 86 touches of the ball - only centre-backs Ethan Ampadu (93) and Joe Rodon (103) had more [WhoScored].

Gray also won four of his six ground duels [Sofascore] and his three successful dribbles return was matched only by Georginio Rutter.

From being a central midfielder with potential promise to being one of the finest right-backs in the league, Gray's rise shows no signs of stopping.

In other Leeds United news, Troy Deeney has slammed something "awful" he saw in the win at Ashton Gate.

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Archie Gray