Leeds-mad pundit can’t believe ‘extraordinary’ Gray update from Thorp Arch
Leeds United youngster Archie Gray will have been given “massive confidence” and encouragement in his development journey after his first-team inclusion against Spurs, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, branded the 15-year-old “extraordinary”.
Gray travelled with the first-team squad to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but failed to make the bench as Leeds United fell 2-1 on Sunday (November 21st).
As per The Athletic‘s Whites writer Phil Hay (November 22nd), the youngster has “set tongues wagging” with his performances in first-team training at Thorp Arch.
Archie Gray looks set to follow in the footsteps of grandfather Frank and uncle Eddie – who enjoyed illustrious careers at Leeds United.
Whelan insisted there is “no reason” for manager Marcelo Bielsa to shy away from including talents such as the 15-year-old in first-team action.
“It will give him massive confidence and real encouragement in his personal development,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I mean, 15-years-old and already with the squad for a Premier League game, wow. It’s extraordinary really, isn’t it?
“The dynasty of the Gray family at Leeds United is continuing, and I’m sure Eddie and the family will have been mightily pleased to see him there.
“It just shows that the current crop of youngsters coming through is really strong, and when you’ve got talent like that – there’s no reason for Marcelo Bielsa to be afraid of throwing these youngsters into that first-team squad.”
Gray made his Leeds United U23’s debut in August – grabbing an assist against Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy.
The 2006-born attacker is capped at England U16 level.
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