‘Phenomenal, Incredible’ – Sky Sports pundit stunned by new Leeds star v Cardiff MOT Leeds News

Archie Gray got everything “absolutely spot on” in an “incredible” Leeds United debut against Cardiff City on Sunday, according to Jermaine Beckford.

The Sky Sports pundit, speaking live after the final whistle, couldn’t believe how well the 17-year-old took to the Whites first team after Daniel Farke started him next to Ethan Ampadu in central midfield for his first game in charge.

Leeds fought back from 2-0 down to take a point with Crysencio Summerville’s last-gap equaliser, but Gray’s “phernomenal” performance suggested he could be a star at Elland Road in the eyes of former Whites striker Beckford.

Speaking live on Sky Sports after the game (6 August, 4.39pm) he said: “I thought he was incredible. Watching him play you forget about his age, you forget that he’s only 17 years old and when he first started training with the first team he was still doing his GCSEs.

“He played with such maturity, he was so confident on the ball. He didn’t rush, he wasn’t worried, he didn’t panic at all. Everything about his game today was absolutely spot on.

“If today is anything to go by this kid’s got such a bright future ahead of him. He’s in the right place to learn. He’s got a little bit of everything in him. Phenomenal player, did really well today.”

Gray began the game even overshadowing his midfield partner and £7million summer arrival Ampadu as he by no means looked overawed by the occasion.

His influence may have waned over the course of the match slightly, but that is surely understandable and for a first outing it was a very encouraging performance from the youngster.

With Tyler Adams out injured and a target for numerous Premier League sides, and all of Adam Forshaw, Marc Roca and Weston McKennie gone from last season, central midfield remains a key question mark for Farke.

But based on Gray’s showing in his first senior action for the club he looks to be very much part of the answer this season.

He clearly has quality on the ball but more importantly he mentally looked calm in possession in a way that few in that position would be expected to in front of the Elland Road crowd on the opening day of the Championship season.

If he can build on his debut then his emergence will be a huge boost to his manager, and with his Leeds United heritage Gray will no doubt prove to be a favourite with the fans.

A point on the opening day has to go down as a disappointment, and there are far too many familiar issues defensively, but there was also a lot to be encouraged by to battle back for a point and Gray proving he is ready for the first team was certainly a plus point