Leeds United lost some of their physical prowess they had under Marcelo Bielsa last season.
The Whites were renowned for being one of, if not the fittest team in the country during Bielsa’s time in charge but saw a huge drop off after his exit, with Luke Ayling admitting at the end of a defeat at West Ham in May they did not have the fitness to ‘go again’.
Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have certainly looked much closer to the fitness levels of years gone by, with his pre-season sessions described as ‘Bielsa with love’.
Leeds have so many players in the squad this term who have started the vast majority of matches and that is a testament to their fitness levels, and ability to recover. However, according to Farke, there is one player whose physical statistics in matches are always among the best.
Speaking to iNews, Farke singled out Archie Gray as someone who always has one of the ‘highest physical outputs’, which is one of many reasons why he is already a crucial player at Leeds.
Farke praises Gray physical output
He said: “Physically, he’s flexible and adapts to different demands – he’s one of the guys who brings the highest physical output on the pitch.
“He’s not the finished product, but he’s on a really good way and a crucial player for me, so we’re really happy with his development. Although he’s so young, he’s down to earth and such a humble guy. He’s a joy to work with.”
Gray has spent the majority of the season playing as a right-back and clearly he has the physical engine required to both contribute going forward, but also do his job defensively.
It is likely that his numbers will be even higher once he does eventually return to his preferred position of midfield, which great uncle Eddie Gray still maintains is his best.
Perhaps the best thing about Gray, though, is his game is not just based around constant running, as he also has the technical ability to go with it, which is what makes him so good.
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