Daniel Farke's decision to play Archie Gray at right-back on Saturday against Bristol City with the intention to add a third midfielder has the makings of a new formation
Ideas are one thing, but execution is another and Daniel Farke may just have the player to make his tactical Leeds United dreams come true. Archie Gray continues to turn heads for all of the right reasons this season and reached new heights on Saturday.
Farke admits it was a risk and there was no guarantee turning to Gray over Luke Ayling would work. The decision was inspired by Farke’s desire for a makeshift midfielder on the pitch who could link up with Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara in the centre where needed, moving Leeds, at least temporarily, into something more like a 3-3-3-1.
“I have to give all the compliments to Archie because one thing is you can have an idea something works and also think ‘okay, the player with his strengths and his way can fulfil your wishes’, but it's much more important the player brings this on the pitch and there was no guarantee it would work today,” said Farke.
Not only did Gray’s technical prowess underpin Farke’s decision, but his positioning also unleashed Daniel James. Farke felt, with Gray tucking inside, the Wales winger would be allowed to roam wider without unbalancing the team’s overall shape.
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