Leeds United: Goal machine Harry Gray can extend Elland Road dynasty after Archie Gray
Archie Gray’s emergence as a genuine Leeds United star will be close to the top of many fan’s favourite parts of what is proving a very impressive season at Elland Road.
But with younger bother Harry backed to follow his midfielder sibling into the Whites senior side the club’s supporters could be set for more homegrown joy when that time comes.
The forward has scored plenty of goals in the youth teams and according to Phil Hay it is he who has caught the eye even more than Archie thanks to his ability to get on the scoresheet with regularity.
The Athletic journalist told The Square Ball (15 March) that the teenager is a “really good prospect” who you “would put good money on” making the breakthrough.
Gray has been playing for the under-18s side this term despite being 14 at the start of the campaign, and scored the latest of his five goals in seven games against Everton on 9 March.
Harry Gray backed to join Archie in Leeds United first team
Daniel Farke is stocked far better in his forward line than he was in central midfield when he turned to the elder Gray brother back in the summer, but if Harry is as talented as billed he will surely get an opportunity.
Georginio Rutter, Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe have occupied the role this season as Leeds United have rebounded from a chaotic start to the campaign to go top of the Championship at the weekend.
Mateo Joseph is waiting in the wings and has also impressed in his few opportunities this term, including with his first two goals against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and Joe Gelhardt is still around currently so the picture is crowded.
But as much as it essentially amounts to nepotism the fact that Gray comes from the family he does will likely give him a chance to impress in a way that others might not, with Sonny Perkins’ one whose progress has recently stalled.
Striker’s name could give him Elland Road chance despite crowd
Given the history of father Andy, and particularly grandfather Frank and great uncle Eddie, have at Elland Road it would have been wise to give Archie and Harry a look in either way, but with the latest Gray addition to the Leeds United first team thriving in his first campaign of senior football then there will understandably be high hopes for the next in line to follow suit.
Much as it will delight fans if Harry can deliver in the same way as his brother has he will undoubtedly feel a great deal of pressure if and when he breaks through, and with a forward so often measured in goals rather than all-round performance he may need to be given some leeway.
And after Manchester City showed interest in snapping him up before he can even get close to the Whites first team, just as they did with Finlay Gorman [TEAMtalk, 14 November], Leeds will have to ensure they hold onto him long enough for fans to see him.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are forecast to be in breach of new profit and sustainability rules if they are promoted to the Premier League.
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