By Alan Hutton

12th Oct, 2023 | 6:18am

Pundit: Relegation has been 'blessing in disguise' for Leeds - and this special talent shows why

Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship was a “blessing in disguise” for players like Archie Gray.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Tottenham and Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton said being relegated has given the likes of Gray the chance to break into the first team at a “big” club like Leeds.

The 17-year-old has made 13 appearances for the Whites so far this season despite not making a single appearance for the senior side last term.

Gray has started 11 of those outings for Daniel Farke’s side who are currently fifth in the second division.

Hutton is delighted to see Gray’s talent being recognised.

“There is nothing better but he obviously deserves it,” he told Football Insider.

“He has come in and done really well and that is why he is playing in the team.

“Being so young now is not really a huge factor, I think now it is the case that if you are good enough you are old enough.

“Sometimes when a big team like that goes down to it it is almost a blessing in disguise for young players like Gray. You look at all these big players that have left, that leaves a void to be filled and it gives you an opportunity to bring through the youth.

“You have to be able to be big enough to deal with the pressure of it at such a young age but if you can do that, you are on the right road.“

In other news, 49ers have started process of completing £25m Leeds United deal.