Archie Gray’s Rise to Stardom and the Leeds Talent Who Could Surpass Him
Archie Gray became one of the most exciting young talents in English football last season, making a remarkable breakthrough into Leeds United’s first team despite his young age.
At just 17, the versatile midfielder cemented himself in Daniel Farke’s squad, making 52 appearances across all competitions. His adaptability stood out, with the academy graduate—naturally a central midfielder—also excelling as a right-back when called upon.
However, following Leeds’ failure to secure promotion to the Premier League, Gray made a high-profile switch to Tottenham Hotspur for £40 million last summer. Now, nearly a year into his top-flight career, how has he adapted to life at Spurs?
Archie Gray’s Progress at Tottenham in 2024/25
Gray initially struggled for game time at Spurs due to the fierce competition in Ange Postecoglou’s midfield. However, an injury crisis in North London opened the door for the talented teenager to gain valuable first-team minutes—once again in an unfamiliar position.
Now 19, Gray was deployed at centre-back during the winter months, starting 19 consecutive games in the heart of defence. Despite playing out of position, he has thrived, boasting an impressive 91% pass accuracy and winning 53% of his aerial duels, showcasing maturity beyond his years.
Despite his strong performances in North London, Leeds may already have a young star in their ranks who could surpass Gray’s impact.
The Leeds Prospect Who Could Eclipse Gray
Gray’s rapid rise through the Leeds academy and subsequent big-money departure was a testament to the club’s strong youth development. However, the search for the next breakout star is always ongoing, and one name stands out: Harry Gray—Archie’s younger brother.
The 16-year-old has already attracted attention from Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Tottenham, following his impressive displays at the academy level. According to reports, Ben Mattinson has even claimed that Harry is “more talented” than his older brother—a bold statement backed by his record of 10 goals in 17 youth-level appearances over the past two seasons.
This season, Harry has already scored twice for Leeds’ U21 side, despite being five years younger than most of his opponents. Described as “supremely talented,” he has also represented England’s U17s, further proving his immense potential.
With the spotlight on him due to his family’s recent success, Harry faces significant expectations. However, given his rapid progress and growing interest from top clubs, Leeds must integrate him into the first team sooner rather than later. Not only would this aid his development, but it would also allow the club to command a substantial fee should he follow in Archie’s footsteps and make a high-profile move in the future.
