Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has made a bold statement today regarding the future of 17-year-old superstar Archie Gray.
Mills claims that although his performances this season have been outstanding, he could, in fact, be playing in the wrong position. Gray has been one of the standout performers in the Championship this season, and his young age has started raising questions about how good he can be.
When asked about how impressive he has been when talking to The Real EFL as an exclusive via 888 Sport, Mills had this to say on the youngster’s progress:
“He’s been farmed out to right-back, he’s done a very, very good job, but he’s better as a midfield player, and I think ultimately that will be where he ends up.”
Archie Gray is part of a family that bleeds Leeds United, as he is the grandson of Frank and great-nephew of Eddie, both former Leeds legends and both title winners at Elland Road. His Dad, Andy, also played for Leeds, as well as Sheffield United and Sunderland. Andy also represented Scotland, but having been born in Durham, Archie is taking a different path.
The youngster has also represented England from Under 15 to Under 20; playing two years above his age bracket for the national team already shows how highly rated he is at all levels.
But Mills, who made over 100 appearances for Leeds United in the early 2000s, has highlighted his desire to see the young talent play in midfield rather than at right-back as his career goes on.
“I would like to see him get that opportunity at some stage to go into midfield,” added the 46-year-old.
“My worry would be that he becomes a good right-back, whereas I think if he learns and grows into that position, he could become a fantastic midfielder. He’s a fantastic footballer.”
Gray, who was named on the Leeds bench at the age of 15, debuted on the season’s opening day against Cardiff City. He has since appeared 36 times in all competitions, and despite the England recognition, he is still eligible to play for Scotland.
The ceiling is, without a doubt, very high for a player this age. Still, in his first breakthrough season in professional football, Gray will be looking to secure promotion to the Premier League and test his ability in the top flight. A vital victory over league leaders Leicester City on Friday night has taken United to just six points off the top. However, they are only in the final automatic promotion places on goal difference.
So while an interesting end to the season awaits Leeds, they should enjoy their home-grown wonderkid while they have him with the interest from higher clubs persistent as you would expect. Perhaps they should also consider the fact that Gray’s best position may actually be in the centre of midfield, as their former player has suggested
