‘Doing really well’… Daniel Farke says Leeds duo have impressed him out of position this season

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Had Leeds United not secured the signing of Connor Roberts from Burnley, Daniel Farke would have gone into the second half of the season with two midfielders as options on the right side of defence.

Roberts, 28, joined the club on deadline day with Leeds announcing his arrival after the 11pm deadline on Thursday. Roberts is cup tied for Tuesday night, but could make his debut on Saturday afternoon.

But, if Roberts had not signed – it would not have been the end of the world. Archie Gray has starred on the right to the extent that Roberts may have to be patient for a starting spot in this Leeds United side.

Jamie Shackleton has supplied cover on the right, though he is set to be injured for Tuesday night’s FA Cup replay against Plymouth. Farke commented on the new signing of Roberts on the club’s YouTube.

He says that while the addition of Roberts adds to his options of Gray and Shackleton at right-back, he wanted a “specialist” right-back in the form of Roberts to bring in experience in that area of the pitch.

“[Roberts is] an important signing for us. We have allowed two right-backs to leave, we wanted to bring in a specialist right-back in. Archie Gray, Jamie Shackleton are midfielders. They are doing really well.

“We’re happy with them, not a sign we don’t trust them – but we wanted a specialist in, an experienced player. Championship Team of the Season last season, says all about his experience and his quality.”

Daniel Farke impressed by Archie Gray and Jamie Shackleton

While Shackleton has played on the right before, his versatility this season on the whole has been excellent. Right wing, left-back, midfield and right-back this season. He is the new Stuart Dallas.

Gray had only played for England’s youth sides on the right of defence before being used there by Farke. It has worked a treat, arguably the best right-back in the Championship right now. Generational.