Neil Redfearn has admitted that Archie Gray may need a spell out of the Leeds United side, despite his sensational start to the season, after his performance against Hull City on Wednesday.
Redfearn was speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the goalless draw for Daniel Farke’s side.
Archie Gray has made an outstanding start to life in the first-team at Elland Road. His performances alongside Ethan Ampadu were massive in helping Leeds weather a storm of barely having any other options in the middle of the park at the start of the campaign.
Gray has kept his place following the arrivals of Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara. However, it seems that Redfearn believes that the time has come for Farke to make a change ahead of this weekend’s game against Watford.
Redfearn thinks Gray may need rest after Leeds draw
It was put to Redfearn that Gray had a difficult evening against Hull. And he suggested that he would benefit from being taken out of the starting lineup for a little while.
“I thought he was a little bit under-par at Millwall as well, if I’m honest. I thought he did okay. I just think he’s looking a little bit lost in it now, which is normal,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“He’s only young. He’s making his way. I mean, he’s been sensational since he’s come back. But it might be just time to give him a breather.
“Obviously, you’ve got Glen Kamara on there. I was looking and I was thinking at the end as they were just starting to wilt, Leeds, I’m thinking, is Daniel going to bring Glen Kamara on, who’s an experienced sitting midfield player?”
There was always likely to be a point where Gray would come out of the team. He does not turn 18 until next March. There was always going to be bumps in the road for the youngster.
What he has proved is that he is ready for first-team football at Elland Road and he has a very bright future ahead. He was arguably one of Leeds’ best players in the first games of the season.
It is important now that the likes of Kamara and Gruev do now step up and prove why the Whites brought them to the club last month.
And you can guarantee that Gray will be raring to go when his next opportunity comes his way.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
