'This kid wants it' - Stuart Dallas pulls back the curtain on special Leeds United training tale
Rehabilitating from injury together at Leeds United’s training ground gave Stuart Dallas priceless insight into Archie Gray's character. The midfield pair departed Elland Road earlier this year in very different circumstances, but before they parted ways, Dallas saw everything he needed to know Gray will become a star.
During the 2022/23 season, Gray was set to be used more frequently as a part of the first-team squad by Jesse Marsch, but injuries meant he spent the first half of that season recovering at Thorp Arch. Dallas was, of course, on the road back from his horrific leg break at the same time and worked alongside Gray with the medical staff.
“For me to have him in the gym as well, he got injured for quite a while, but never once complained,” Dallas told Sky Sports. “I always tell the story about him that he’d have been given his programme in the morning and it would have been pretty long for him.
READ MORE:I love watching Archie Gray train and fearless factor he brings to Spurs
READ MORE:Manager's sacking would suit Leeds United if it was delayed until next week
“He was still doing his education at the time, so he’d have done one part of his gym programme and then do his education. By the time his education was done, I’d have finished and I was gone.
“Every other player was gone, but I’d return in the evening with my kids in the pre-academy, and when I’d come back, Archie would still be in the gym. I’d say, ‘What are you still doing here?’
“He’d say he’s finishing off his programme and that, to me, showed this kid wants it and is going to get it because anyone else would’ve been gone. ‘There’s no coaches here or staff, I’ll go.’ No, he was still finishing his core, or whatever he had to do, and that to me showed he’s different and special.”
Gray joined Tottenham Hotspur for £40m this summer after the Premier League club activated a release clause in his contract. The teenager earned that move off the back of just 52 senior appearances for the Whites.