Tottenham boss was impressed with Archie Gray’s maturity to fulfil a new role at left-back against Roma
Archie Gray featured in Tottenham Hotspur’s recent Europa League clash against AS Roma.
The England Under-21 international, who arrived at the North London club from Leeds United in the summer, lined up at left-back for Ange Postecoglou’s side on Thursday evening as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Claudio Ranieri’s AS Roma in the Europa League.
It was the teenage prodigy’s 12th outing in a Tottenham strip since joining from Leeds United. Primarily a defensive midfielder, Archie Gray is yet to feature in his preferred position at Spurs. Instead, he has been used everywhere across the backline, as Ange Postecoglou looks to manage his injury-hit squad.
Gray’s maturity and versatility in playing numerous roles has earned him plenty of praise from his gaffer Postecoglou. Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham’s forthcoming encounter with Fulham, the Big Ange said (h/t Football London):
“There’s a real maturity at only 18. We asked him to play left-back, he has never played that position in his life but does it with a real efficiency & calmness.
“I am so excited by Archie and that’s another positive for us that we have another 18-year-old who just plays and no one mentions that he is 18, they just measure his performance and, like I said, I am asking him to do different jobs.
“It would probably be more comfortable for him if he was settled in one position but he is playing football at a really high level in Europe and the Premier League.
“That’s going to set us up really well for the player that he is going to become.”
Gray has had to be patient at his new club due to the intense competition within the Spurs squad. Against Roma, it was only his seventh start in a Tottenham shirt. The teenager has yet to start a Premier League game for the Lilywhites, which should be frustrating given he arrived from Leeds amid a lot of fanfare.
This has alerted plenty of Championship clubs ahead of a potential January swoop, with ex-employers Leeds also keen to have Gray on loan for the second half of the season. However, the Durham-born talent is not interested in sealing a loan exit from Tottenham in January. He believes staying at Spurs will improve his chances of making a breakthrough under Big Ange.
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With Spurs hit with a lot of injuries to key players, as well as Rodrigo Bentancur suspended for seven domestic games by the FA for off-field matters, Gray is expected to get a lot of minutes over the busy fixture schedule. He has predominantly operated across the backline but Bentancur’s suspension could open the door for the Englishman to get chances to shine in his preferred No.6 role.
With his maturity and flexibility, Gray has certainly charmed Big Ange and it is only a matter of time before he makes his first Premier League start for Spurs.
