Archie Gray performance v QPR shows Leeds United must rethink transfer strategy
Leeds United may have brought in three new central midfielders in the summer transfer window, yet Archie Gray is fast making himself undroppable in that position under Daniel Farke.
The academy product is keeping Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara out of the side with his performances and has arguably even outshone Ethan Ampadu alongside him.
Gray, who does not turn 18 until March, has started eight of Leeds’ 10 Championship matches so far an has been introduced from the substitutes’ bench in the other two.
After making way for Kamara for United’s previous two games, the youngster was back in the starting line-up against QPR on Wednesday [4 October] and was once again superb in the 1-0 home win.
As highlighted by Football Wonderkids on Twitter [4 October], Gray completed both of his dribbles, won both of his tackles and 100% of his six duels. His two clearances, meanwhile, was a tally bettered only by defender Pascal Struijk [WhoScored].
Throw his one key pass into the mix, which would have led to a goal if not for a bad touch from Joel Piroe, and it is fair to say Gray more than played his part in the narrow victory.
If Ampadu is the first midfield name on Farke’s team sheet, then Gray is now not far behind. Not many would have predicted that after bringing in Kamara and Gruev late in the window for around a combined £9million.
It goes to show that Gray could potentially save Leeds multi-millions in the coming years as they have a midfielder who looks set to only get better with time. That is something United must keep in mind in future transfer windows.
It also suggests they did not have to bring in both Kamara and especially Gruev in the first place, even if the latter will get more of an opportunity to shine as the season goes on.
Farke has called for calm when it comes to Gray, but it is hard to do so on the back of performances like the one he produced against QPR.
In other Leeds United news, a player has been called up to their national side in a bittersweet announcement for Farke.