Archie Gray has been linked with a surprise Tottenham exit Tottenham just a few months on from completing a transfer from Leeds United. Spurs parted ways with roughly £30million to sign the 18-year-old with Joe Rodon heading to Elland Road on a permanent basis.He has played just 581 minutes of football since making the switch with the bulk of that arriving out of position in the Europa League. Gray has been deployed in every role part of the back four but is yet to make a competitive appearance in the centre of midfield, his preferred position.
Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-game domestic ban could help his case to be utilised in the centre of the pitch with Postecoglou a huge fan of his versatility. “I thought Archie Gray was brilliant today. We asked him to play two different positions and he just adapts and handles it,” he said after the 2-1 Europa League win against Ferencvaros.Despite that, links over a possible short-term loan back to the Whites, in order to play more regularly, has been suggested. With that being said, football. london has taken a look at Gray’s immediate future and the dilemma facing Postecoglou.
Kieran Horn
On paper, Gray heading back to his old club on a temporary basis for just a few months could benefit both him and Postecoglou in the long-term. Gray has impressed in his appearances for Spurs but has on occasion looked slightly off the pace because of his lack of consistent minutes.With that being said, the value Gray brings to Tottenham cannot be overlooked and thus allowing him to go elsewhere for a few months will be the wrong call. Just a few injuries in some positions will greatly expose a lack of depth and Gray’s ability to play in multiple positions is crucial.Gray may be becoming impatient because of his start to life in north London but there is plenty of time for him to make an impact and he could now show Postecoglou what he is missing. Yves Bissouma will likely be ahead of him in the pecking order, but more cameo appearances, particularly in the Premier League, could follow.
Lee Wilmot
Archie Gray is just 18 years of age, that should not be forgotten. The fact that he played 50-odd games for Leeds last season belies that teenage status somewhat.
He should not be rushed, as much as a number of supporters want to see him take regularly to the pitch.
He is settling into a new team and getting used to a new, better standard of football. He will be a superstar, that is the common feeling amongst those who have seen him play and Spurs fans naturally cannot wait to see that in the Lilywhite shirt.
I would like to see him in the midfield, that’s his natural position despite the number of appearance for Leeds at right-back. And with Rodrigo Bentancur banned now for seven matches, he might well get more of an opportunity.