Daniel Farke has included six youngsters yet to make their competitive first-team debut for Leeds United in his 27-man squad in Germany, and one is confident of replicating Archie Gray’s success.
Last season, Gray started in the middle of the park in Farke’s opening game as Leeds manager. A 2-2 draw against Cardiff City at Elland Road, which saw Crysencio Summerville slam home an equaliser late on.
But if anything was to be taken from that game, it was that Leeds had something special in Gray. From that moment on, Gray has since become an England U21 player and played more than 50 times for Leeds.
It saw him earn a £40m move to Tottenham this summer, £10m of which was used to buy Joe Rodon. It is also a signal to all Leeds youngsters coming through at Thorp Arch that Farke will use them, if ready.
James Debayo hopeful of following Gray path to Leeds glory
As aforementioned, six Leeds youngsters have travelled to Germany with the first team including Archie’s 15-year-old brother Harry. Luca Thomas, Sam Chambers, Harry Christy and Charlie Crew are also included.
As is James Debayo, a 19-year-old defender described as “brilliant” by Michael Skubala. The centre-back was the only one of the six to be given a start against Harrogate last Friday, after a call-up from Farke.
Speaking to Leeds Live, Debayo shares how he is confident of following Gray’s path into the starting XI at Elland Road. He knows, thanks to Gray’s example, age is irrelevant and if you’re good enough, you play.
“I’m sure if I keep going there’ll be opportunities,” Debayo told Leeds Live, in Germany. “You saw it with Archie last season. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough. I’m sure if I keep going, fingers crossed.”
👏 #LUFCU18s defender James Debayo has been involved in first team training this week#LUFCYouth | #LUFC pic.twitter.com/OlCSPj5ppc
— LUFC Youth (@leedsutdacademy) May 27, 2023
What Debayo has been doing on the training pitch in Germany
With the chance to shine in front of Farke in Germany, Debayo and the other Leeds youngsters will be desperate to make an impression. Especially, with Max Wober making a surprise return to the side.
But Graham Smyth of the Evening Post reports that despite Debayo being “quiet” off the pitch, he has been more than vocal on it and that includes telling senior members his thoughts in no uncertain terms.
That is sure to attract the attention of Farke, who will want his defenders especially to be vocal. With there a void in the squad after exits for Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell, Debayo is ready to seize his chance.
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