The Athletic have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur primarily view Archie Gray as an option for their midfield rather than as a right-back.
Archie Gray has experience at right-back
Tottenham are thought to be on the lookout for a replacement for Emerson Royal and many Spurs fans would feel that Gray ticks all the boxes to be an understudy for Pedro Porro.
The 18-year-old impressed as a right-back as well as in midfield for Leeds in the Championship and, with Spurs using inverted full-backs who are required to receive the ball in central areas, it seems like the youngster is an ideal fit for the role in Postecoglou’s system.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have both popped up in number 10 roles at times over the past 12 months for Spurs, which could be the perfect hybrid role for Archie Gray.
Spurs see Archie Gray as a midfielder
However, The Athletic assert that, although Gray operated primarily as a right-back at Elland Road last season, he prefers to play in the middle of the park.
In fact, it is asserted that the Lilywhites have signed the teenager to play in midfield, with the North London club viewing his ability to fill in at right-back as a bonus.
It remains to be seen where he will get most of his minutes next season, with Lucas Bergvall also arriving into the midfield ranks this summer.
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There is no doubt that over the long-term Gray is going to be a box-to-box midfielder, given the attributes he possesses but he is also a good fit for the inverted right-back role, which is the position I think he will play most often in his first season at Spurs.
It will be interesting to see if Spurs sign another right-back or if they are happy with Gray’s ability to at least offer cover for the position.
Archie Gray’s decision to join Tottenham Hotspur instead of Brentford highlights the appeal of Spurs’ prestigious status, youth development and pursuit of the Champions League
According to Jay Harris, Gray was attracted by Tottenham’s greater global reach, higher expectations and Europa League football, which made him the most attractive choice for his development
his career
Harris notes that while Brentford’s performance was impressive, Tottenham’s position and greater growth opportunities ultimately convinced Gray
The ‘fake rivalry’ between Leeds and Brentford also played a role, in that Gray may have been aware of the problems surrounding the move to Brentford
Leeds United’s pressure to sell a key player before the PSR deadline led to Gray’s departure, but his side negotiated and chose to challenge Tottenham
Despite initial panic from Leeds fans, the club will benefit financially from the sale of Gray and securing the return of Joe Rodon to strengthen their promotion bid
Gray’s versatility and impressive 52 appearances last season saw his stock skyrocket, making him a valuable asset for Tottenham
With Ange Postecoglou at the helm, Gray will pursue many opportunities in the Premier League
Meanwhile, Leeds United continue to negotiate with Real Betis regarding Diego Llorente, demonstrating the complex and dynamic nature of football transfers
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