We’re a fair bit into the season now, and it’s time to look back at some pre-season predictions made by pundits that have either rung true or backfired.
One team that was very hard to predict at the beginning of the season was Leeds United. The Whites sold their two best players in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips over the summer, but they looked to have recruited well with the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Marc Roca all coming in.
However, perhaps the most exciting thing about Leeds coming into this season was their crop of youngsters coming through. The likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Crysencio Summerville were all tipped for big things, as was Archie Gray.
The 16-year-old made the bench a few times for Leeds last season and it looked as though he may have had a bit more of a role to play this term.
In fact, before the season started, Jamie Redknapp named him as his player to watch this term
Player to watch
Redknapp spoke to 90Min about Gray and his potential.
“I don’t know if he’s ready yet, but he’s the best young midfield player I’ve seen in years at Leeds, Archie Gray. He might not be there yet, he’ll be 17 this year I think, but Archie Gray is going to be a future England star,” Redknapp said.
Not worked out
Redknapp had high hopes for Gray heading into this season, but sadly, it hasn’t quite worked out like that for him.
Indeed, injury issues have plagued the young man, and thus, the 16-year-old hasn’t played a single minute of senior football this year.
Of course, at the age of just 16, Gray has all the time in the world to kick on and make himself a star, but it has to be said that it’s a bit frustrating that he’s not played a single minute for Leeds this time around, especially after Redknapp tipped him to have a big season.
Hopefully, this is just a small hurdle in what should be a very bright career.
Let’s hope that the youngster can stay fit next year and kick on.
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