‘He’s the real deal’: BBC pundit amazed by Leeds player after Carabao Cup win

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Neil Redfearn believes that Archie Gray looks like the real deal after the Leeds United teenager once again impressed for Daniel Farke’s side in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Redfearn was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after Leeds came from behind to beat Shrewsbury and set up a tie with Salford City in the second round of the competition.

Farke, once again, handed Archie Gray a start after the 17-year-old made his senior debut in the weekend draw with Cardiff City.

It must be said that Leeds lack options in the middle of the park right now. Marc Roca and Adam Forshaw have moved on. And Tyler Adams is sidelined with injury.

Redfearn says Gray is the real deal after Leeds win

But Gray has clearly earned his chance. He was outstanding against Cardiff on Sunday. And he followed that with another assured performance in the cup tie this week.

It is easy to forget that the academy graduate is so young given how good his displays have been. And Redfearn suggested that Leeds have a special talent on their books.

“He looks like a seasoned professional in there,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “There’s very intricate things that he does to get out of tight areas that he does naturally, that he makes look easy. He’s got real awareness, he understands how to fashion things in the final third. He’s got a range of passing.

“I think we’ll see him score goals as it goes on and he gets his feet under the table. And I just think it’s a massive plus for Leeds.

“He’s the real deal. He’s capable of carrying the banner for Leeds United, he’s got that sort of ability.”

What was so impressive is that Gray has already displayed his versatility. He pushed forward into a number 10 role for the cup tie with Shrewsbury.

Leeds are surely going to sign another midfielder before the deadline passes – particularly if Tyler Adams ends up leaving.

But Gray is clearly staking a claim for a prominent role alongside Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park.

His start to life in the first-team certainly adds to the pressure on Leeds to get promoted in the near future – because Gray definitely looks destined to be playing at the highest level at some stage.