Michael Bridges says that Leeds United have a ‘special, special player’ in their squad right now

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Leeds United’s squad is one packed full of a lot of potential.

Only Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers have a younger average age of players used so far this season than the Whites, and it certainly could make for an exciting few years at Elland Road.

The vast majority of Leeds’ top performers over the course of the campaign are currently below the age of 23, with Ethan Ampadu, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter clearly among the stand-outs.

But there is one player even younger than that who has taken the league by storm and if he wasn’t already known before, the last seven days have certainly announced him on the world stage – Archie Gray.

Gray scored his first ever goal for Leeds in the 3-1 victory over Leicester City last Friday, before then producing a Man of the Match display in the FA Cup at Chelsea on Wednesday.

Speaking on the latest episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, former Whites striker Michael Bridges says the club are ‘so lucky’ to have such a ‘special’ talent tied down long-term.

Bridges hails Gray as ‘special, special’ player

He said: “It was a massive moment for him. Another tick off on his to do list while he is a Leeds United player. And what I loved about him after the game, I got the opportunity to interview him, and he said about the DNA of his family and he knows what this club means.

“And he said his favourite part afterwards was singing the song as he was walking round afterwards because I think the fans stayed behind for about 10 minutes after the game.

“It was absolutely mental. Just a special, special player. We are so lucky we have been able to tie him down to a new contract and can hopefully keep the vultures away for another two or three seasons.”

Gray has been winning rave reviews from pundits for his performance at Stamford Bridge, but in truth, it is just what Leeds fans have been seeing pretty much all season.

The 17-year-old has spent the majority of the campaign performing well at right-back but there is no doubt his long-term future lies in midfield, as proven at Chelsea, and claimed by great uncle Eddie.

Hopefully Leeds are able to get promotion over the line in the next two months so that we get to see Gray starting every week in the Premier League, which is already where he belongs.