Archie Gray says Leeds United have a player in the academy that is “unbelievable” and does not require any help he has to offer, as he continues to makes waves behind the scenes.
Gray, 18, is the latest Leeds talent to come off the Thorp Arch conveyor belt and become a crucial cog in the first-team works at Elland Road. He has already clocked up 51 senior appearances for Leeds this term.
Handed his debut by Daniel Farke on the opening day of the season, Gray has starred in central midfield, as a no.10 and mostly as a right-back. He is set to retain his place at right-back on Sunday at Wembley.
Great Uncle and Leeds icon Eddie Gray has backed his great nephew to shine should he be given a start by Daniel Farke this weekend. But remarkably, he is not the last of the incredible Gray bloodline at Leeds.
After Grandfather Frank and then Eddie Gray played for Leeds and Scotland, his Father played for both Leeds and won two Scotland caps. Andy now has two his children at Leeds, in Archie and Harry Gray.
Archie Gray on his ‘unbelievable’ Leeds brother Harry Gray
The latter is still only 15, but has already scored eight goals in 11 U18 Premier League games. Gray spoke about his younger brother to Phil Hay on The Athletic, as he continues to shine in the Leeds academy.
The current first-team wonderkid described his younger brother as “unbelievable” for what he’s doing at 15, but said that the attacker does not require any help and is better off just doing his own thing.
“I don’t think I need to help [Harry]. When I was his age, people just let me trust my ability. The same for him. You’d get advice and help, people didn’t tell you what to do. His ability for his age is unbelievable.
“I just don’t like to tell him that. With me, I always trusted my ability and other people did too. The only thing I can tell him is to work hard every day — always do the extras. And stay on your feet,” Gray said.
When Harry Gray make break through amid Man City interest
Just this morning, Phil Hay reported that Liverpool and Man City were keen on Archie. But Leeds were pro-active, and included a clause in his deal that saw Leeds offer a percentage of the lowest external bid.
It kept Archie at Elland Road and Leeds might have to do the same with England U16 man Harry, given reports suggest the Premier League champions are also after him after nabbing £5m star Finlay Gorman.
Archie has previously predicted when his younger brother could break into the senior side at Leeds, and reckons him and Charlie Crew could be the next ones in line to follow in Archie’s footsteps.