"Making U18 teams look foolish" - Leeds United wonderkid tipped to follow in Archie Gray's footsteps | OneFootball

FLW's Leeds United fan pundit has given his verdict on which academy star will break into the first team squad next

Leeds United’s academy system has produced many first team stars over the years.

The most recent of which was Archie Gray, who came through last year to cement himself as a first team regular at the age of just 17.

The midfielder was a key figure in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup in the German’s first year at the club, making 44 appearances in the regular league campaign (all stats from Fbref).

Other young players to come through at Leeds over the years include Kalvin Phillips and Jack Clarke.

Supporters will be hoping the next bright star emerges soon following the sale of Gray last summer to Tottenham.

Exciting Harry Gray claim made for Leeds United

When asked which young player he believes can come through the club next, FLW’s Leeds fan pundit Kris Smith claimed that Harry Gray could be the next in line from the academy system.

He is confident that Archie’s younger brother Harry can follow in his footsteps, and make an impact on the first team sooner than many might think.

“Archie Gray’s emergence into the first team last season at the age of 17 was a long time coming, weirdly enough,” Smith told Football League World.

“Having been on the bench at the age of 15 under Marcelo Bielsa, years ago.

“After he went to Tottenham, the door looks to be open for the next great to come through in that dynasty and that’s Harry Gray.

“Featuring in pre-season at the age of 15 back in July, obviously he’s been injured since then but long-term it looks like he’s the next one to break through and really burst onto the scene.

“It is a lot to ask for of someone that young to make any sort of impact in the first team anytime soon, but he is absolutely one to watch in the coming years when he matures into a first team ready player.

“Which could be sooner than a lot of people expect.

“He’s a skillful forward, and he already looks like he’s making U18 teams look foolish.

“So, for me, it is only a matter of time before we see him in the senior fold doing the same.”

Harry Gray can follow in Archie’s footsteps

Archie Gray earned his Leeds debut in the opening game of last season’s league campaign, a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City.

The youngster never looked back once in the first team, immediately cementing himself as a key part of Farke’s team.

Youngster Harry will now have his sights set on the same goal, although he may need to wait another year or two before that can happen.

The forward could become the Whites’ next big young star, and continue in their great tradition of promoting younger players into the first team squad.

Archie Gray will be a hard act to follow

Harry Gray is in a difficult position because his brother Archie left such a strong impression in just one year in the first team squad at Elland Road.

Following in his footsteps won’t be easy, as comparisons will constantly be made between them, similarly to Jude and Jobe Bellingham.

However, Leeds fans will have their full support behind him, which will be a massive help once he’s ready to break into the first team squad.