‘What on earth’: Journalist says it is scary to imagine how good Leeds player will be in a few years

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Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth says it is scary to think how good Archie Gray will be in a few years’ time.

Smyth was speaking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, where he was discussing his decision to hand him an 8/10 in Leeds’ 2-1 win over Bristol City on Saturday.

Gray was making his ninth league start in 11 Championship matches this season at the weekend, but for the first time was not in central midfield.

Instead, Gray was moved to right-back in place of Luke Ayling, with Glen Kamara coming into the midfield, in what was a shock decision from Daniel Farke.

While Gray has played there occasionally at youth level for England, to have performed so well out of position at just 17, was a testament to how good he is.

Smyth says Gray potential is scary

Speaking on Gray’s weekend performance, Smyth cannot imagine how good the teenager will be in a few years’ time, when he has more experience of senior football under his belt.

He said: “On reflection that was probably harsh [giving him an 8/10 vs Bristol City]. I think it was because a dangerous cross came in from his side in the first half, but I don’t know if you can entirely blame him for that as he was up against a tricky winger and largely pocketed him…

“Maybe he was worth 8.5/9 but I just think, he’s very young, if we’re giving him nines now, in a year’s time we’re going to have to go up to 11. He’s going to threaten the very establishment of ratings, if he’s putting in performances like that, at right-back at 17, what on earth is he going to be doing at 18, 19, 20.”

Leeds have a gem in Gray

Leeds really have struck gold having someone as good as Gray come through their ranks and be ready to make an impact in senior football at such a young age.

Of course, Gray still has plenty of development to do, but you can’t help comparing him to Jude Bellingham when he first broke through at Birmingham City, at a similar age.

In order to match the trajectory Gray is clearly heading towards, Leeds will need to ensure they are a Premier League club within the next two years, without a doubt.