Marcelo Bielsa included Archie Gray in Premier League games against Arsenal and West Ham in January 2022 – predicting he would become “elite”, and Gray is beginning to throw weight behind Bielsa’s claim.
Gray, 17, has become a crucial part of the Leeds side this season. Making his debut against Cardiff on the opening day of the 2023-24 campaign, he has since started all seven matches in league and cup.
Obviously, there is huge hype surrounding the midfielder. Not just because he is a huge talent, but due to the fact he is the latest in the Gray family to play for Leeds – after Frank, Eddie and father Andy.
Speaking in 2022 after his inclusion on the bench against Arsenal and West Ham at the very tender age of 15, Bielsa predicted Gray would become “elite”. The Argentine also described him as “very intelligent”.
“In spite of being so young, he can compete. But clearly his process has been altered to get to be an elite player. He has the resources to achieve it, he will achieve it. He is very, very strong mentally.
“He is a player who is very intelligent. I ignore what his life is, usually, but given how he behaves with us on a day to day basis I can see that his education is really well-controlled,” Bielsa said, as per the YEP.
Bielsa predicted Gray would be elite: Starting to become true
Gray is starting to prove Bielsa’s theory. He looks like he has been playing senior football for years. His technique, his decision making, his ability to shake it up and at 17, his physicality is very impressive.
What a player – and at 17, he is already one of our best players. So, with more game time, he is going to become a superstar. Leeds will do well to keep him on side for as long as possible. But Bielsa is right.
Everything Bielsa says is beginning to come true – can he reach the elite, cream of the crop level of players? Well, he will have to play in the Premier League. Hopefully, he can do so at Elland Road.
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