What’s the score with Demarai Gray

Following a superb display against Notts County pre-season, Leicester City fans wanted to see more from Demarai Gray. In particular against Valencia and Lille. Unfortunately he missed those warm-ups due to injury, but is back training now.

Some supporters thought Leicester City were keeping Demarai Gray from playing amid transfer speculation or their was a rift, happily this is not the case. Confusion over whether the winger really had an injury, or not, was speculated after headlines by Spanish publisher Marca; repeated by others at the weekend.

When a club does not release absence details through social media it can lead to conjecture, this time accelerated by Sky Sports Transfer Centre, as stated below.:

"“VALENCIA EYE GRAYValencia are interested in Leicester City’s Demarai Gray, reports Marca.Valencia’s sporting director Pablo Longoria recently met with Walid Bouzid, an agent who works for the agency that represents Gray. The pair met in Leicester and spoke for half an hour.Leicester, who rejected a €30m offer for the 22-year-old last season, have no intention of selling the former Birmingham man.However, Gray meets the profile of the type of wide player Valencia are looking for. The La Liga side would try to seek a loan deal for the England U21 wide man”– (Via: Sky Sports)"

In reality the 22-year-old had a muscular injury and is presumed to be ready for the Premier League opening trip to Old Trafford. PremierInjuries.com confirm a problem with his ankle/foot.

In addition, Gray’s instagram story showed him back at the Foxes Belvoir Drive training ground with Rachid Ghezzal – working out alongside one another. In the picture, the new teammates look relaxed and happily smiling. Hopefully they will be able to recreate some Riyad Mahrez-style moments together this season. Big shoes to fill indeed.

Valencia leverage?

I must admit when I saw the Sun reporting Valencia’s chief negotiator had flown in to speak to Gray’s agent – it concerned me that he may solicit a transfer. Possibly even that the club may get fed up and sell him. There is also the possibility that he or his agent used the interest as a form of leverage. Yet, as he is contracted for three more years that is doubtful. However, it is plausible that the left-sided-attacker wanted assurances about starting time and could cite the Bats’ interest as the reason.

And who could blame the young player? Gray needs to start regularly – 10 games successively to become comfortable as a starter – while not becoming complacent, giving his coveted spot away. It even took the great Thierry Henry nine games to score when he began at Arsenal; their careers are different, Gray has been at the King Power for two-and-a-half seasons.

Although as of yet, the former Birmingham winger is not a required starter at Leicester City. But surely the Foxes can afford a big chunk of matches starting their starlet? Managing even half the explosiveness of an Henry cutting in from the left would work wonders for Claude Puel’s team.

Most noteworthy is Puel’s apparent liking of Gray’s style. Like I said before – the 23-year-old has to produce – especially with manager and fans loyal and rating him so highly. We have still only seen glimpses. Although those small peeks were magical: like the amazing run against Everton at home last term or his wonder goal at Old Trafford in the Premier League in 2016/17.

This is surely Gray’s final chance to realise his true potential at Leicester City. A real breakout campaign is necessary to repay the fans’ and club’s faith. I have strong belief that the England U21 international will eventually, consistently produce the goods. The time is now!