Leigh Bromby labelled the performance of Archie Gray outstanding as Leeds United went into the international break off the back of a 2-1 victory over Bristol City on Saturday.
Bromby was speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the 17-year-old shone in the right-back role for the Whites as they made it three home wins on the spin.
Leeds fans probably needed no further proof that they had a special talent on their hands in Archie Gray. The teenager has been superb in the early weeks of the season, often shining alongside Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park.
Leigh Bromby lauds Archie Gray after Leeds win
Remarkably, Gray won eight tackles, according to Whoscored. That was double the number of the next best player on the pitch. Meanwhile, he also won all three of his aerial duels.
Certainly, Leigh Bromby was hugely impressed by the youngster’s performance as Leeds secured a hard-fought victory at Elland Road.
“Yeah, he was outstanding. 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,” he told BBC Radio Leeds.
“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.”
Scary amount of potential
Daniel Farke appears to be managing Gray brilliantly. He has not looked at all out of place in the Championship. But Farke has also not been afraid to take him out of the side when it has been needed.
Gray was excellent in the opening weeks. But as he, understandably, started to fade, Farke brought Glen Kamara into the middle of the park and gave Gray the chance to rest.
He already appears to have been reinvigorated from not starting a couple of games. And it is almost frightening that that is the level of performance from Gray when he is playing out of position.
Hopefully, Leeds do not need to deploy Gray at right-back too often in the coming months. But it is certainly comforting to know that he can definitely step up in that role if needed.
