Daniel Farke has hailed the performance of Archie Gray in Leeds United’s 2-1 win over Bristol City.
Farke was speaking in his post-match press conference after Leeds’ second win in a row at Elland Road, with Gray having been handed a different role today.
With Glen Kamara having been brought back into midfield, many would’ve expected Gray to drop to the bench but that wasn’t the case.
Instead, Gray was moved to right-back in place of Luke Ayling, with the 32-year-old having been surprisingly dropped to the bench.
Gray has played in that position at youth level for England, but in all of his senior matches for Leeds so far, has always been alongside Ethan Ampadu in the centre of midfield.
Farke hails Gray display in Leeds win
Speaking on his decision to play Gray ahead of Ayling, Farke says he wanted a more ‘technical player’ in that position today, and has nothing but ‘compliments’ for his display.
“I have to give all the compliments to Archie. One thing is having an idea. It’s much more important that the player brings it on the pitch. We wanted to play with a more technical player, like a traditional midfield player with pace tracking the wingers.”
Gray has dropped into cover Ayling while playing in central midfield this season, but it is a whole different situation moving into a completely new position.
But the 17-year-old played as though it is a position he has been in for several years, locking up much of their attacking threat down the left, while also looking positive in possession.
With Djed Spence still working to get back to full fitness, Gray may have just made that position his own for the coming weeks until the Tottenham loanee returns.
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