Georginio Rutter says he thought Leeds talent was ‘special’ from the moment he joined the club

Add as preferred source on Google

Georginio Rutter is just one of a number of young stars that are excelling at Leeds United this term, alongside the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Ethan Ampadu and of course, teenager Archie Gray.

What is astounding about this Leeds side, other than the attacking style of play and flair that Daniel Farke has instilled – as well as the best defensive record in the League – is just how young the team is.

Anyone over 25 in this Leeds side is now deemed old. Ampadu, at 23, is wearing the captain’s armband. Connor Roberts joined in January and has repeatedly spoken about his experience – but he is only 28.

But if we’re talking about young stars, Gray tops the lot. It feels like he’s been 17 for a lifetime – turning 18 next week. Already, he has played 38 times. If we go into the play-offs, he could exceed 50 matches.

A player that has caught the eye of the biggest clubs in the country, a player that left Lee Dixon stunned during our loss to Chelsea. Rutter has been speaking about the latest star off the Leeds conveyor belt.

Speaking to The Mirror this week, ahead of Tuesday night’s Championship clash against Stoke City at Elland Road, Rutter said: “For me, the first time I came here and I saw him, I saw something special.

“He’s a very big player. He’s had a good progression and he deserves that because he works every day for that. And he’s a good guy. He knows everything – so I don’t have to say more for him,” Rutter added.

Georginio Rutter shares what he first thought about Archie Gray

Watching Gray against Chelsea was sensational. But it also confirmed what Leeds fans might have been thinking anyway – that he is destined for the Premier League. He is proven against Championship sides.

But the step up to Premier League level is a big one – let alone, playing against two midfielders that cost Chelsea north of £200m in Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. He made them look distinctly average.

It confirmed to Leeds fans, and perhaps those watching with an interest in the England U20 star, that he can do it already at the highest level. Bids will surface in the summer, Leeds simply have to keep him.