Archie Gray starred in Tottenham’s 4-3 win over Man United in the Carabao Cup
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou was enduring a tough time before the games against Southampton and Manchester United as his team had gone five matches without a victory.
However, Spurs bounced back in style on Sunday by hammering a listless Southampton side 5-0 at the St Mary’s Stadium, before eliminating Man United from the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday night. By doing so, the Lilywhites booked a Carabao Cup semi-final two-legged tie with Liverpool next year.
With defenders Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Ben Davies all out injured, young Archie Gray started alongside Radu Dragusin again in central defence. The Durham-born talent, who spoke about his willingness to play in different positions for Tottenham, enjoyed an excellent game and was one of the best players on the pitch.
Big Ange has praised exciting talent Archie Gray numerous times this season
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Given he is a central midfielder by trade, one would believe Archie Gray would face some difficulties in coping with the fast-paced and physical nature of the Premier League. But that hasn’t been the case as he has been one of Ange Postecoglou’s most reliable players even when operating out of his natural position.
This led to reputed The Times journalist Henry Winter hailing Gray’s versatility after the cup tie vs Man United. On his official X account, he was full of praise for the teenager over his mature displays for Spurs in recent times, tagging him as a player of “elite mentality” and a “brilliant signing” from Spurs.
“Archie Gray is 18. He’s playing centre-back very capably. He’s good at full-back. He’s best in central midfield. Whichever position, he takes responsibility. Elite mentality. Brilliant signing by #THFC. And he’ll get better and better. He’s only 18,” Henry Winter tweeted from his official X account.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou thinks Archie Gray “hasn’t missed a beat” playing in central defence
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou had glowing praise for Archie Gray before the Man United cup game
Truly, Gray has proven to be an incredibly talented and versatile player, turning out in many different positions for Tottenham. Along with playing as a full-back and in midfield, the 18-year-old has been recently starring in central defence. Spurs’ injury crisis has led to Big Ange naming the England youth international in that position in recent games, and he has certainly not disappointed his gaffer.
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The teenage prodigy has repaid the manager’s faith with solid displays. What has been even more striking is the fact that Gray has looked at home playing as a centre-half in games against Rangers, Southampton and Man United.
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Having signed from Championship from Leeds United for £40million in the summer transfer window, Gray’s acquisition is looking more like a bargain with every passing day thanks to his continuous growth under Big Ange. Undoubtedly, he is the future of the North London club.