BBC pundit awestruck by ‘outstanding’ Archie Gray after what he did for Leeds United v Bristol City
Leigh Bromby was awestruck by the performance of Archie Gray for Leeds United against Bristol City on Saturday (7 October).
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds after the game on Saturday, the pundit said the 17-year-old was “outstanding” despite being played out of position at right-back in the 2-1 win at Elland Road.
He was impressed by the decision-making of the England U-17 international and added that he believes the teenager is getting “better and better” after breaking into the first team this season.
“He was outstanding,” said Bromby. “I think his performance, to say he’s moved out of position and he’s playing out of position, was outstanding – above his years.
“I think we knew Daniel would probably stick with the formation, so I think the four at the back were, you can see the patterns of play, the attacking play is improving. And I think the manager said, he is a manager that likes to play players in their best positions. But today, he was forced to do something a little bit different – and it worked.
“The big thing is his decision-making and I don’t think we can keeping talking about his age because his performances are at such a high level that it looks like he’s played for 10, 15 years with his decision-making, with his positioning. And he seems to be getting better and better.”
Bright future
There is no doubt about the fact that Gray looks set to have an extremly bright future in the game after what he has shown for Leeds in the opening few games of this season.
He was excellent alongside Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park before Glen Kamara muscled his way into the conversation, but he has responded well to that challenge and impressed at right-back against Bristol City.
It’s pretty clear that he is just a very good footballer no matter where you play him and, as Bromby pointed out, he does look like someone playing beyond his years.
Daniel Farke has said he will manage the teenager’s workload and he seems to have got it spot on so far, so Gray is in very good hands on that front.
The Whites will be hoping he continues to impress over the course of the season, but there is no doubt that top clubs will be closely monitoring his progress.
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