Matt Kilgallon has praised both Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu after Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff City in their opening game of the new Championship season.
Kilgallon was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after a dramatic draw at Elland Road, as Crysencio Summerville equalised in stoppage-time after Leeds had gone into the break 2-0 down.
Both Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu made their competitive debuts for Leeds in the game. Of course, the Whites’ midfield needed an overhaul with Marc Roca and Adam Forshaw leaving in the summer, while Tyler Adams is still sidelined with injury.
Kilgallon praises Gray and Ampadu after Leeds draw
Ampadu has been the marquee signing of the summer so far. Meanwhile, the hopes have been incredibly high for Gray for some time.
Obviously, the first-half was disappointing for Daniel Farke’s men. And the club’s defensive frailties will have to be addressed at some stage if Leeds want to stand a chance of sealing promotion.
But Gray and Ampadu were two of the shining lights throughout the contest. Ampadu controlled the game, while the 17-year-old did not look at all out of place at this level.
And following the game, Kilgallon issued his verdict on the displays of both midfielders, starting with Gray.
“Not fazed is a great word. Coming in at 2-0 down, even harder to get on the ball. It’s great at 2-0 up, you want to get it. He went and got it, didn’t he. It was a good performance,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“Ampadu broke up a lot of stuff and he made some good tackles, backtracking, and little headers back. Helping out the defence. I’ve seen him play for Wales and different clubs, and he’s got a range of passes as well. I’d like him to try a few diags. But there’s more to come from both of them I think. To watch them today was good. But I think they’ve got even more.”
It is definitely a partnership which could really impress this season. Ampadu was very comfortable, getting on the ball, keeping things ticking over.
Meanwhile, Gray really looked to make things happen. He was one of the only positives in the first-half. And it is exciting to think about how good he could get over the coming months.
If Leeds keep Tyler Adams too, Farke will have a very strong group of midfield options to pick from this season.
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