The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 21st November) - McAvennie: Leeds should cash in on Gray
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 21st November, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road…
Leeds should cash in on Gray
Leeds should cash in on teenage sensation Archie Gray; that's according to former West Ham and Scotland forward Frank McAvennie.
A host of top flight European clubs have been linked with the fledgling utility player, after breaking through the ranks to become one of the first names on Daniel Farke's team sheet this season. At 17, his potential is mind blowing, but we must remember that few reach their full potential
Media sources are suggesting Gray could fetch as much as £50m, which if an offer of that magnitude were to come in, would be difficult to turn down, especially if he was loaned back to Leeds! According to McAvennie…
I think what they’ve got to do is sell him. Take the money, but keep him on loan. He’s not going to get into the Liverpool team, he’s not going to get into the Everton team at the moment.
It’s the best thing for everyone. It’s a long way to the end of the season and his value may go up. I don’t think anyone is going to buy him in January. I wouldn’t imagine if he’s doing that well unless you spend decent money.
If he’s not ready for the Premier League, whoever’s wanting him, come and get him now and loan him back. That’s what I would try and do because then you get some money for January. It’s a win-win for them. Farke will know what he needs.
Three Leeds players make up the top ten for assists this season
Three Leeds players make up the top ten for assists this season, with their league tally for the season reaching 20. Only Ipwich Town (21) have created more.
Former Leeds reject Leif Davis leads the way on seven, whilst Rutter and Summerville are joint third on five-a-piece, with Dan James seventh on four. It's been a while since we've seen any creativity from the Whites, and whilst we must remember that there's a massive gulf of talent between the top flight and the Championship.
Even so, Leeds have the second youngest starting XI in the Championship (24.4yrs), just behind Sunderland (23.3yrs) and are improving all the time. It's also important to remember that up until three months ago, most of the team hadn't played together, and should only get stronger as the season progresses.
Solid defence making Meslier's life easier
New data from fbref.com have revealed that Illan Meslier has been the least troubled shot stopper in the Championship!
The 23 year old Frenchman has re-found his confidence since being given a vote of confidence by Daniel Farke pre-season, and with the help of a solid back-line, has not disappointed. This coincided with a tactical reshuffle, a change of goalkeeping coach, and obviously dropping a division.
Meslier has had to face just 43 shots on target this season over the opening sixteen (league) games. To put this in perspective, Friday's opponents Rotherham have faced 91. Before the first weekend of September, Leeds had gone 22 games without a clean sheet, and now they have six, one less than Watford and West Brom.
