Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray says he learnt something ‘priceless’ from Marcelo Bielsa.
Gray has enjoyed a marvellous breakthrough season for The Whites and scooped the Championship Young Player of the Season.
At times, he’s looked every inch of a Premier League player despite only turning 18 in March and is set to play a key role in the playoff final against Southampton on Sunday.
Speaking to Phil Hay, he reflected on Bielsa’s time at the club and how beneficial he was for his development.
Archie Gray says Marcelo Bielsa’s training sessions were so good
Gray admitted that Bielsa’s training sessions ‘were so good’ and noted that they made him physically stronger.
“The sessions with Marcelo, they were so good. People know how tough they were because a lot was said about it at the time but I took so much from him. As hard as it was, and all the running you did, some of what I learned was priceless,” the 18-year-old said.
Bielsa’s Leeds side were among the fittest in the Championship and Premier League, as he placed great emphasis on physical work in training.
Evidently, that has had a lasting impact on Gray, who doesn’t look out of place up against players twice his age.
Archie Gray could star vs Southampton
On the vast Wembley pitch, the players who excel technically are expected to enjoy a productive game and Gray certainly falls into that category.
He’ll have much more time on the ball to pick out passes and drive into space – two areas of his game that he’s very proficient in.
So, the teenage midfielder could star against Southampton and may even be the matchwinner.