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What Tottenham fans can expect from Archie Gray
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 2 Jul 2024 05:12 CDT
- 4 min read
Tottenham Hotspur have officially announced the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United.
Gray, 18, has signed a six-year contract with Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Spurs paying a reported €41.25 million (£35m) for the teenager.
Tottenham fought off competition from Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Brentford for Gray’s signature, with the teenager one of the most highly sought-after players in English football.
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In a separate deal, Joe Rodon has permanently headed in the opposite direction, having spent last season on loan at Leeds.
Gray has become Tottenham’s latest summer signing, but what can Spurs fans expect from their new arrival?
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What Tottenham fans can expect from Archie Gray
Simply put, Tottenham have signed a future world beater. Gray is an exceptionally talented player and many have tipped him to become a senior England international within the next few years.
He won the Championship’s Young Player of the Year and Apprentice of the Season awards after a stellar first campaign in senior football, and a Premier League move comes as little surprise.
Technically secure, Gray is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and backs his ability in possession no matter the opponent. His work-rate is also immense, while he possesses the speed and stamina to impact games both centrally and on the flank.
Gray has exceptionally quick feet, which allows him to dribble past opponents even under huge pressure, and he is a fantastic one-on-one defender.
He seamlessly adapted to the physical requirements of playing senior football in the Championship, his aggression in duels is top notch and he is an excellent ball carrier.
Furthermore, one of Gray’s most obvious strengths is his versatility.
The 18-year-old is primarily a central midfielder, but he is equally capable of playing at right-back. In fact, Daniel Farke deployed Gray at right-back on 30 occasions during the 2023-24 season and he wasn’t fazed one bit.
In February, however, he started in central midfield during Leeds’ 3-2 FA Cup defeat against Chelsea. Gray was simply superb against the €237m duo of Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, and his performance was recognised with a memorable Man of the Match award.
STATS
Archie Gray
AM, M (C), DM (R)
Leeds United
Archie Gray
AM, M (C), DM (R)
Leeds United
Gray’s future is likely to lie as a central midfielder, but Tottenham will no doubt be eager to utilise his versatility by deploying the teenager as a right-back too.
Adam Wharton has proven how a talented young midfielder can seamlessly make the step up from Championship to Premier League football, and Gray is likely to follow suit.
Tottenham have secured a future star and Gray is a player who could help them finally end their lengthy trophy drought.
