Bielsa says he’s made decision that wasn’t good for one Leeds player

Add as preferred source on Google

Marcelo Bielsa has admitted that it is not good for Archie Gray to be on the Leeds United first-team bench at this stage of his career, but suggested that he deserved the call-up – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

Football fans have probably heard a lot more about Gray than they realise. The 15-year-old has been on the bench for the Premier League games with Arsenal and West Ham.

His inclusion in the side has been highlighted by many when the merits of games being postponed have been debated. Certainly, Bielsa has received a lot of credit from neutrals for opting to name Gray in his match day squads rather than ask for the league to cancel games.

It is exciting for Leeds fans to see Gray involved. His family, of course, have a long association with the club. And whenever he has played for the under-23s, he has looked an outstanding talent.

He certainly does not look out of place for Mark Jackson’s youngsters. And the fans may have been hoping that Bielsa may be tempted to hand him a senior debut at some stage.

However, the Leeds boss reflects on Gray’s involvement slightly differently. He suggested that it is too soon for the teenager to be on the cusp of the first-team.

“What’s happened to him has been premature. I don’t think it’s good for a player of his age to occupy the space he has and these opportunities,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live.

“If I could have avoided it I would have done it, the players we have to put them in positions where they can assume the possibilities that arise and obviously Gray is not prepared to compete in the Premier League. But the reality took him to be there deservedly.”

Gray cannot expect Leeds debut anytime soon with Bielsa actually reluctant to rush young players

Bielsa has handed eight teenagers a Premier League debut this season. And yet, the truth is he is not someone who rushes youngsters into the fold.

Joe Gelhardt had to wait more than a year for his first-team debut despite a brilliant season with the under-23s. Cody Drameh’s wait was even longer.

Leo Hjelde was outstanding on Sunday at West Ham. But he will probably play no part against Newcastle. And he may not even make the bench depending on the options available.

But the first player left out may well be Gray, with Bielsa keen for the starlet to continue his development at his own pace.