Leeds United made a couple of signings in midfield towards the end of the window but Daniel Farke stuck with Archie Gray on Sunday – and he earned praise from Georginio Rutter and Jaidon Anthony.
Gray, 17, started the previous seven games in all competitions. But, with Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev coming in for a combined £11m fee – it was expected that perhaps, Gray would be given a bit of a rest.
However, he retained his place in the middle of the park on Sunday afternoon as Leeds took on Millwall at The Den. The Whites came away 3-0 winners – and Gray once again was superb in the middle.
Winning a rating of 7.1/10 for his display against Millwall, Gray was excellent. Both in attack, defence and on the ball. He may now be given a rest on Wednesday when the Whites travel to take on Hull City.
The youngster – who of course is the fourth in the Gray family to have played for Leeds – took to social media after the win. A victory that takes Leeds into the top half of the table – a dizzying tenth place.
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Gray earns praise from Leeds duo Rutter and Anthony
He is such a talent. Perhaps not as involved as he has been in other games this season – but still quality when the game was thrusted in his direction. Ethan Ampadu is the perfect foil alongside him in midfield.
He needs a rest, though. The hardened Ampadu is more than capable of 90 minutes every week, even twice a week. But Gray is being thrusted into an environment and it will take time for his body to adapt.
Gruev, or more likely, Kamara could come in on Wednesday. In the mean time though, Gray earned his flowers for Sunday – with Rutter commenting “what a player”. New signing Anthony was also impressed.
