Daniel Farke has told Wednesday night’s press conference – as per Leeds Live – that the “data” is fine regarding Archie Gray‘s work load, after the Leeds United midfielder completed the entire match against Shrewsbury Town.
Gray, 17, was handed his professional debut on Sunday against Cardiff and won the man of the match award, as he lasted until injury time before being replaced. On Wednesday, he was included in the starting line-up once again.
The midfielder lasted the entire 90 minutes – initially playing as a 10, but dropping deep in the second half. Leeds came from behind to win 2-1 and book a clash against Salford, Joe Gelhardt and Pascal Struijk scoring the goals.
There are concerns among some Leeds fans and even Phil Hay, who said on this week’s Square Ball podcast that he might have rested Gray last night, about his work load. Farke responded to those worries, saying the data is good.
“I need to manage the workload. Archie is in really good shape. Data looks fine. Sometimes not easy for a 17-year-old lad. Did not have that many options, so he had to go again. We have got the feeling he can handle the load.”
Farke says data fine regarding work load of Leeds midfielder Gray
Gray is going to be absolutely pivotal this season. At the start of pre-season, many expected Darko Gyabi to come in alongside Ethan Ampadu. Gray was still perhaps a year off being a regular. But that has completely changed.
Following the first two games, Gray has been decisive. His ease at which he plays the game, his strength and his surprising durability – as well as his technique, vision, passing – has already made him a crucial cog in this team.
If Leeds are going to do anything this season, then Gray needs to be in the starting line-up for pretty much all of our games. He has that spark, the excitement of the home crowd. Fingers crossed he can continue to shine for us.
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