Daniel Farke has been quoted by Leeds Live as praising Leeds United’s teenage midfielder Archie Gray and while saying age is just a number, he made it clear that there are still parts of his game which requires some improvement.
Gray, 17, has still not made his competitive debut for the first team. Rewind a year, and it looked as if he was going to make a splash under Jesse Marsch – impressing in pre-season. But injury hit. Gray had to overcome those setbacks.
He regained his fitness and the England U17 man starred for the 21’s, helping them win the play-offs. This summer, he’s been involved heavily – playing in all three pre-season friendlies. He did well against Forest on Thursday night.
Asked about Gray by media following the 2-0 win – in which Patrick Bamford and Ian Poveda scored – Farke shared his excitement regarding the teenage ace but made it clear that there is a long way to go, improvement is needed.
“I’m not willing to press young lads too early. I also like to bring many, many young players through. With Archie I’m pleased with him, he is in really good shape. Physically, in good condition. He has shown really good performances.
“But also saw in many games, what he has to improve, where he has to improve. What I like is he’s willing to learn, he is ready to get input, depth. But again, I just can’t bring him to the door, he has to make a step through the door.”
Daniel Farke: Still parts of game Leeds teen Archie Gray must improve
What is startling is the physical condition of Gray, as Farke says. He is 17, but of similar stature to a player a decade his senior. He is ready for senior football. Leeds and Farke have got to give it to him this season, quite regularly.
With Leeds lacking the solution for the no.10 role, perhaps having Gray in that position could be a possibility. But, as Farke says, keeping Gray’s feet on the ground is important. It is about maximising his incredibly high potential.
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