Ross McCormack wowed by ‘composed’ Archie Gray in first half of Leeds United v QPR, ace not ‘fazed by anything’
Former Whites striker Ross McCormack says Leeds United’s Archie Gray was “so composed” during the first half against QPR.
Leeds United take on QPR in the Championship tomorrow (4 October) as Daniel Farke’s side travel to Elland Road.
Gray, 17, made his 12th start of the season across all competitions, 10 of which have been in the league, with the other two coming during the League Cup.
“Archie Gray is such a quiet guy, and I think that’s because he comes from a footballing family,” McCormack said on BBC Radio Leeds, as reported by BBC Sport. “He doesn’t seem to be affected by a lot of things. Of course, the fans want him to be successful here.”
The 21-year-old’s father is Andy, his grandfather is Frank and his great-uncle Eddie are all former Elland Road players.
Potential banana skin
Leeds entered the game with QPR in full knowledge that an upset was inevitable, having failed to win in their last four games.
During this four-game losing streak, Ainsworth’s side drew with Swansea and Birmingham, but lost to Sunderland, Coventry and QPR. The London outfit may not have expected to achieve much from these results, but they knew Leeds could be vulnerable.
Leeds have struggled to make a lasting impact in the Championship since being relegated from the top flight last season, and Daniel Farke has struggled to find consistency in the management.
They also went into the game off the back of an unexpected and potentially devastating 3-1 defeat to Southampton. The Saints will have taken plenty of comfort from this result, as they had been struggling for some time prior to facing the Whites.
In a related development:
Leeds: Farke’s “diamond” also set to return soon alongside Spence
The Whites have suffered a serious injury to one of their key players on the first team.
Leeds United are set to welcome back another key player in Djed Spence after the international break, according to a new report.
Which Leeds players are currently injured?
Stuart Dallas is still out with a long-term injury at Elland Road, while Junior Firpo and Spencer are still out after missing the 3-1 Championship defeat to Southampton on Saturday. All three players are expected to be out for a while. The Whites are playing Queens Park Rangers at home this evening – kick-off is at 7.45pm UK time – and while it’s too soon for one injured star to be back, there’s some good news.
Wilfried Gnotta was forced off in the draw against Hull last September and has since had surgery on his ankle problem. Initially, it looked like the Italian would be out for up to two months, but now the manager has given a promising update on Gnotta’s fitness.
How long is Wilfried Gnonto out for?
In addition to providing updates on Firpo and Dallas, Farke said during his pre-game press conference on Tuesday that Gnonto and Spence are anticipated to make their comebacks following the forthcoming international break.
As reported on X by Phil Hay of The Athletic, Farke commented on injuries by saying that Gnonto and Spence are “on track.” On the opposite side of the international break, we are expected back. Firpo will resume training after the break as well.
“Dallas has gone back to some individual training but due to join in full training again shortly. Dallas had a very minor setback in training but should resume full training in the next few days, Farke says.”
How many goals has Wilfried Gnonto scored?
Since signing from FC Zurich last summer, the Verbania international has made 34 senior appearances, providing nine assists (five goals) and has averaged 2.6 dribbles per game. He has also recorded ten crosses this season, which is fourth highest in the league, according to FBRef.
Farke will be delighted to have a player of Gnont’s calibre ready to get back into the competitive game in Yorkshire. The £20k per week earner has been deployed in seven different attacking positions since the beginning of his career and has played all over the front three and three different positions in the middle of the park, making him a joy to observe in LS11.
Football talent scout Jacek kulig has described him as a ‘diamond’.
