Neil Redfearn has hailed the performance of Archie Gray in Leeds United’s win over Middlesbrough.
Leeds were again forced to come from behind early on as Emmanuel Latte Lathe’s third minute goal somehow found its way past Illan Meslier.
However, less than five minutes later, Leeds found themselves in front as quick fire headers from Dan James and Crysencio Summerville turned the game on its head almost instantly.
Joel Piroe then scored from the penalty spot before Latte Lath got his second of the game on the stroke of half time, which was the end of the scoring.
And while Leeds’ attackers will again get the headlines, it is Gray who Redfearn has opted to praise in BBC Radio Leeds’ post-match coverage of the win.
Gray produces his best right back performance
Speaking immediately after the game, Redfearn believes that Gray was that good, he looked as though he had been playing at right-back for the entirety of his career.
He said: “He’s just so composed. And he knows what’s around him when he’s receiving it. Number of times he just dropped his shoulder and got away from defenders.
“Got some key balls in, assist for the second goal, great ball in. Obviously as his career goes on, he’s going to be a midfield player.
“But at this moment, you wouldn’t think so. He looks like an established right-back. And he plays there easily. I thought he was excellent today.”
Like Redfearn said, Gray’s long-term career is definitely in midfield but today was undoubtedly his best performance as a right-back, having had a good game on Wednesday, too.
Not only did he pretty much lock up Boro’s entire left-side, but he also provided a large amount of threat going forward, which the away side were not able to deal with.
His performance meant that Djed Spence again had to settle for a place as an unused substitute, and it certainly gives Daniel Farke food for thought going forward in that position.
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