Archie Gray has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ben Davies, the long-standing Tottenham defender who recently clinched his first trophy with the club. Having joined Spurs from Swansea City 11 years ago, the Welshman had several near misses in his quest for silverware, but it always seemed to slip through his fingers.
However, last Wednesday marked a turning point when Ange Postecoglou's squad triumphed over Manchester United in the Europa League final. Although Davies didn't play in the match, he was instrumental in Spurs' journey to Bilbao, aiding their progression through the league phase and knockout rounds.
Since Gray's transfer from Leeds United to N17 last summer, Tottenham defender Davies has played a significant role in his development.
The Davies family have also been pivotal in helping the young player adjust to his new environment, and Gray admits he "probably would have struggled a little bit" both on and off the pitch without his teammate's support.
"Ben deserves every moment of this and more," the teenager shared with SPURSPLAY following Tottenham's 4-1 loss to Brighton and Hove Albion. "Him, his whole family, they're incredible people, not just him. His whole family has taken me under their wing. They've really helped me this year.", reports Football London.
The England Under-21 international said: "If he wasn't here, I probably would have struggled a little bit off the pitch, on the pitch. I can't say enough words about him. He's been here for me the whole year. I wouldn't have been able to do what I've been able to do so far this year without him."
Gray was full of praise for his team-mate, saying: "For him, this moment, he deserves it 10 times over. What a player. The things he's done for this club is incredible and he'll continue to do it as well. He's a great professional and a great guy as well."
Gray has had an impressive first season at Tottenham, making 46 appearances and winning the Europa League. Instead of keeping his winner's medal, he plans to leave it at his family home to inspire his younger brothers.
"I'm not sure. I think I might give it to my little brothers at home, so they can look up to it a little bit," he revealed. "Hopefully it will make them work a bit harder."
Gray is now looking forward to playing in the Champions League next season. "Yeah, it's incredible to say," he said.
"Like everyone, it's a childhood dream to play in the Champions League. Hopefully I can do that next year. I can't wait."
It remains unclear whether Postecoglou will still be in charge of Spurs come the start of the season. Tottenham's poor league form and their 17th-place finish had appeared to be leading Postecoglou towards the exit door until their historic trophy win.
When Gray was asked if Postecoglou should get a third season, the midfielder had no hesitation in responding: "Yes, definitely. It’s been a great season this year and it’s been a roller coaster of a season as well, not just at the end.
"We’ve obviously had some really tough times and we stuck together. He’s big on things like family and I think the main thing that helped us get to the final and win the final is our morals of what we’re like as a team. Like I said, family is our main thing. We believe in each other and it’s like brothers going out there on the pitch in the final and we just fought for each other."