Jesse Marsch issues verdict on Leeds teenager Archie Gray

Add as preferred source on Google

Jesse Marsch has said in his latest press conference that Archie Gray has everything needed to become a really good player for Leeds United in the future, but insisted that he needs support to help him realise his potential.

Gray is once again creating a lot of excitement amongst the Elland Road faithful. He has already had some exposure to first-team football this term, having been named on the bench several times by Marcelo Bielsa when the squad was decimated by injuries.

He did not get onto the pitch in that time. But his inclusion certainly said a lot about how highly Bielsa rated the then-15-year-old. He could have selected several other young players ahead of him.

Gray is back in the spotlight after scoring an outrageous goal for the under-23s on Tuesday as Leeds beat Manchester United 3-0 at Elland Road.

The visitors’ goalkeeper played the ball straight to Gray some 35 yards from goal. And while there was a defender covering the previously-empty net, Gray was able to lift the ball into the corner with ultimate precision.

‘He’s a big talent’

It was a moment of magic from the midfielder, who also played a role in Leeds’ second goal. And Marsch has suggested that he is excited about what the future holds for the teenager – as long as he gets the right help.

“I know there’s massive anticipation for Archie to be a big, talented player. And I think he’s intelligent, he can read the game really well, he can run all day, he’s good on the ball. He’s got a lot of really good qualities to be a strong player in the middle of the field,” he said, in his press conference.

“Archie has an incredible bloodline, he’s a big talent here, a homegrown talent, but I also think we have to support him and believe in him, but also be patient with him and not put too much on his shoulders from a young age.

“But I’m getting to know him as a personality. I think he’s just excited on the pitch everyday. He loves football, he loves training, he has a lot of really strong qualities as a person that will help him develop rather quickly.”

Marsch making the right call leaving pathway open for Leeds’ under-23s as he lauds Archie Gray

Gray is still awaiting his first-team debut. But Marsch is using a number of the younger players in his plans. Obviously, Joe Gelhardt is the pick of the bunch. But the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood have been involved in his squads.

Some may feel that Marsch does not have too much of a choice. Leeds do not have the biggest group of players. And they are still yet to have a fully fit squad.

But it is encouraging that Marsch is leaving the pathway open for the under-23s to put themselves on his radar.