Leeds United legend Eddie Gray makes Raphinha admission and salutes modern day star winger

Leeds signed Raphinha from French outfit Rennes for £17m in October 2020 and the winger is now a Brazilian international and a regular starter for both club and country.

The 24-year-old bagged six goals and nine assists in his first Premier League season at Leeds and already has seven goals and one assist for the 2021-22 campaign.

Back in the 60s and 70s, Gray was United's star winger for Don Revie's all conquering Whites and United legend Gray is a huge fan of Raphinha's talents.

"The boy is a top player," Gray told the YEP, assessing the winger's standing in all time Leeds stars.

"The only thing I would say is that it is always difficult to compare players from different eras but what I would say is, I don't think he would look out of place in any team in the Premier League so that's all you can say at the present time.

"If he played for any team in the Premier League, he would look good.

"Can you imagine him playing for Liverpool? Yep. Can you imagine him playing for Man City? The boy can play.

"It's difficult to compare players from the past and the present but at the present time, he is good enough to play in any side."

Pressed on whether Raphinha might be the most skilful Leeds player since himself, Gray pondered: "I don't even think of things like that!

"All I know is that he could play in any side.

"I enjoy watching him and he is a vital component to our side, that's the thing about it and I think everybody at the club will know that.

"If he's on song or he gets the ball in certain areas, even when you are not playing well, he is always capable of doing something and turning the game as he has done many times, even this season."

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890.

We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382

Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.

Thank you Laura Collins