‘If I’m honest’ – Don Goodman expects ‘Exposed’ Leeds ace to be ousted after development

Don Goodman anticipates that after coming from Burnley, “outstanding” Connor Roberts will take Archie Gray’s spot at right back for Leeds United.

Roberts, a Wales international, signed a loan agreement to stay at Elland Road until the end of the season last week on deadline day.

The 28-year-old, who has been ineligible for the previous two games, is expected to make his debut on Saturday, February 10, against Rotherham United.

Gray, a central midfielder by trade, would probably have to move to the side if that were to happen.

Goodman told MOT Leeds News of the outstanding transfer deal, saying, “It’s a smart move from Leeds United.” Though Archie Gray isn’t a right-back, he has performed admirably at the position.

He has probably been exposed once or twice to crafty wide guys running at him; it hasn’t happened too often, but it has. That doesn’t occur if Leeds has Connor Roberts, an orthodox right-back.

In addition, he is a forward-thinking right-back who is capable of both goal scoring and assist play. All you have to do is look at Burnley from last season, when he was brilliant.

If I’m being very honest with you, I believe he’s a huge coup for Leeds United. It is now his responsibility to contribute to the squad each and every week.

“To do that, he’ll need to demonstrate a great deal in practice and then in games when he’s given game time, so it’s a win-win situation for Leeds and Connor Roberts.”

Daniel Farke has big Leeds selection call to make

Since switching to right-back earlier in the season, Gray has been fantastic for Leeds overall and has developed connections with a Premier League transfer.

The 17-year-old has played in center midfield nine times since making his debut against Cardiff City on opening weekend.

But according to WhoScored, he has been a mainstay at right-back for some months, having started 18 games there.

As Goodman points out, though, Gray has been caught out at times defensively, which is entirely understandable given his age and the fact he is playing out of position.

Roberts was the best right-back in the league last season and is surely good enough to be playing regularly for a Premier League side, even if Vincent Kompany disagrees.

It’s possible that the seasoned defender starts against Rotherham right away because he wasn’t signed to cover until the end of the season.

Gray would then be eligible to start in holding midfield if that were to occur. Daniel Farke, though, won’t want to make too many changes to a winning recipe.

It presents a selection conundrum, but the German coach will surely be happy with it.