Ben Parker has told LS11 that he expects teenage sensation Archie Gray will start for Leeds United on Sunday with Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park against Cardiff – as the Championship campaign kicks off this weekend.
Gray, 17, has still not made his first-team debut for Leeds. A year ago, he was heavily involved in pre-season under Jesse Marsch in Australia, but suffered a number of injuries. With a relegation battle ongoing, experience was used.
But with the Championship campaign set to begin, and Leeds targeting a place back in the Premier League – Gray has been a regular once again during pre-season. He started the last pre-season match, which can be an indication.
A 1-0 win over Hearts. Many felt Darko Gyabi would be starting this season but it does look like the defensive nature of Ethan Ampadu will combine with the attacking talent of Gray. Parker expects the duo to combine come Sunday.
“I really do, I hope so [we see him this season]. The scary thing about Archie, is he is still growing. He’s already a big kid. The biggest compliment I can give Archie – yes, he’s a fantastic player – he looks like he belongs in that team.
“First-team level. He looks like he’s played 200 games, he fits in well alongside Ampadu. That little partnership looks really, really promising. It is probably going to be the starting partnership on Sunday,” Parker said, to LS11’s podcast.
Ben Parker expects teenager Archie Gray to start for Leeds on Sunday
It certainly looks as if Daniel Farke has taken a fancy to Gray in pre-season. He has been used regularly, with age hardly a concern. We are still without Tyler Adams – but we have Ampadu, Gyabi and Jamie Shackleton as options.
Lew Bate is more than likely to leave, while Sam Greenwood can drop in but he has been out of action in recent weeks, too. So, it looks as if it will be a case of who is partnering Ampadu – Gray, Shackleton or Gyabi. Gray, on pole.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
