Jamie Shackleton has told Leeds United’s official podcast that Archie Gray is “frightening” and if he was playing against him, Gray would do his “head in”. The teen has broken in to the side under Daniel Farke.
Gray, 17, has started all seven matches this season – shining in a midfield duo alongside Ethan Ampadu. It will be interesting to see how Farke plays against Millwall next time out, after signing two midfielders.
Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara have both arrived at Elland Road from Werder Bremen, and Rangers – for a combined £11m. It provides much-needed depth, but raises questions as to who will end up starting.
Asked about Gray on the latest official Leeds podcast, Shackleton described him as “unbelievable”. He says that if he was forced to play against the England youth international – it would do his head in,
“Unbelievable. For his age, 17, to be competing and playing the way he is and going toe to toe, and having the upper hand on experienced Championship men is frigthening. At 17, I was in the 23’s.
“The level he’s at is top. He doesn’t stop, a serious engine – absolutely everywhere. If I was against him, he’d do my head in,” Shackleton told the latest Leeds podcast, when asked about the Leeds talent.
Jamie Shackleton says Leeds teen Archie Gray is frightening
Gray has been like a new signing. Midfield needed major surgery this summer. With Tyler Adams, Adam Forshaw, Weston McKennie and Marc Roca all going – Leeds have made three new signings in that area.
Gruev, Kamara, Ampadu and the breakthrough of Gray makes Leeds look suddenly solid in the middle of the park – and hardly, down on quality. It is up to Farke to keep all four happy – and playing regularly.
Leeds are next in action on the Sunday after the international break, taking on Shackleton’s former loan side Millwall away from home. The Whites do not have a good record at The Den, in recent seasons.
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