Archie Gray has been superb, The latest of the famous Leeds United conveyor belt of talent coming through at Thorp Arch, the versatile star has been wonderful for Daniel Farke’s side this season.
He is the latest to come through the academy. Following examples like Kalvin Phillips, Jamie Shackleton, Sam Byram and plenty more. He will surpass 50 games for club and country come the end of the season.
It is a constant flow of talent that often comes through the academy and Gray is just the latest example. His younger brother Harry is also in the Leeds academy – and Archie cannot wait to play alongside him.
But, who is the next player that could break into the senior Leeds side from the academy? Here, we take a closer look at a 17-year-old star that has already been promoted to senior training under manager Farke.
Teenager Charlie Crew can be Leeds United’s next Archie Gray
Plenty of hype has been made about Gray making his debut for England’s U21 side – in which he scored, a 5-1 European away win over Azerbaijan. Charlie Cresswell was an unused sub in that match, last week.
But Charie Crew, a hard-working, technical midfielder, has already won three caps for the Wales U21 side. A player that has already played 21 times for the club’s second string at Leeds – at just 17 years old.
Not only has Crew been promoted to the senior side for training and is a regular for the 21’s at such a young age, but he has also earned the praise of Ethan Ampadu – after training the the senior Wales side.
Speaking in September last year, Ampadu said: “I have been there. It’s all about the development stage and getting used to playing in a first team. Obviously I know him, really excited to see him embrace it.”
What is the next step for Charlie Crew to make it at Leeds United
Not only has his form caught the eye of Leeds and Ampadu, as well as Wales – but also, England. The Three Lions are trying to snatch Crew away from Wales’ clutches to get him playing for the Young Lions.
Crew’s next step is a first-team debut. Whether that is at Leeds, or somewhere else on loan, it needs to happen next season. With Leeds likely to be promoted, you would imagine he will struggle to get a game.
So, perhaps it would be best for Crew to go out on loan. Gray has benefited from Leeds being in the Championship, meaning the pathway into the first team was not full of obstacles – more games to play.
It is harder when in the Premier League. Leeds cannot afford to give youngster a chance when every point matters. He will need to gain his experience out on loan – but doing that will boost Crew’s chances.
