Danny Mills has questioned whether Archie Gray would be ready to make the jump up to the Premier League and is excited by his opportunity to develop in the Championship.
Danny Mills, a former Leeds United defender, is concerned that Archie Gray may look “lost” in a Premier League defence amidst top interest.
The message served as a warning to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City, all of whom have been linked with the Whites teenager, with Mills claiming that Gray lacks the experience to perform at right back, implying that the breakout star could benefit from a season in midfield in the Championship to progress further before making the step up.
That is not to suggest that any of the high-profile clubs rumored to be interested could not loan Gray back to Leeds, allowing the 18-year-old to develop in Daniel Farke’s engine room, as long as the German can find a new starting right back.
“He’s not been played in his preferred position; I think his best position is midfield,” Mills told Football League World. “He’s been moved to right-back, where he’s played admirably. My concern was that if Leeds made the Premier League and he played right-back, he might be lost.
“The caliber you’re now up against: Jeremy Doku, Mohamed Salah. It’s another level. This isn’t the Championship anymore. And my fear is that Leeds will come in an experienced right-back who may not be able to fill that midfield spot.
“I honestly believe that Archie’s development would benefit from a year in the Championship as a midfielder, even if they were promoted. He is a fairly young midfielder who is still learning the game. Now, with all of his experience, I believe it could be one of the best things to happen to him.”
Gray is the unwelcome transfer story of the summer, with ties to Bundesliga powers persisting beyond English lines.
