Leeds United got off to a winning start to their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road. Jesse Marsch’s side looked lively throughout the game and took all 3 points thanks to goals from Rodrigo and an own goal by Ait-Nouri.
Leeds have endured an injury crisis in recent seasons with a number of first-team players picking up injuries thereby reducing the squad depth.
Jesse Marsch admitted that he is ready to use Thorp Arch’s duo Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray this season as possible options in the midfield pivot. The American said, “A lot of the players have adapted more, including Adam Forshaw. Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, how they complement each other and understand what we want the game to look like, fit really well. You could also include Darko and Archie (Gray) who I think are going to see playing time in that position over the season.”
Gyabi arrived at the Yorkshire club this summer in a deal which saw Leeds captain Kalvin Phillips move in the other direction to Manchester City. Archie Gray has been part of the club’s academy and has impressed in the Leeds U-18 side.
These comments by Marsch indicate that he wants to integrate youth into his first team and give a chance to the talented youngsters to nurture them. The former RB Leipzig manager has had a track record of developing young talent and the long-term project at Leeds certainly involves the same objective. Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich both are in their thirties and will need replacing in the next few years.
There are exciting times ahead for the Leeds faithful who believe Marsch is the right man for the job to lead their side. The club seems to be moving in the right direction and time will tell whether Gray and Gyabi make their first team breakthrough this season and cement their respective places in the first team.
