‘Bellingham’ – Leeds United expert tells Spurs fans what to expect from Archie Gray
Leeds Live’s United reporter Beren Cross is convinced that Archie Gray is ready to make the step up to the Premier League and hinted he could keep company with Jude Bellingham one day.
Archie Gray enjoyed a superb season last time out
Gray only broke into Leeds’ starting lineup at the beginning of last season but in less than 12 months, he has already garnered a reputation as one of the best young talents in the English game.
Although a midfielder by trade, the 18-year-old played quite often at right-back for Leeds last season, with the youngster thus potentially set to be used as Pedro Porro’s understudy by Ange Postecoglou in N17.
England boss Gareth Southgate has even spoken very highly of the Leeds academy graduate, admitting that the Three Lions have looked at the youngster closely (The Mirror).
Spurs fans thus have plenty of reasons to be excited by Gray’s arrival and Cross’ believes that the Lilywhties have their hands on a potentially generational talent.
What can Spurs expect from Archie Gray?
When asked what makes Tottenham’s newest addition so special, he told Football.London: “That’s a very tough question to answer. The bottom line is, for every attribute you describe, it’s set against the context he is still only 18 years old. It’s remarkable how composed and intelligent he is with such little senior experience of the game.
“He’s not flawless, of course. There have been games where he has struggled, but those were rare and often playing in his weaker position of right-back against tricky wingers on the back of five matches in 20 or 25 days.
Cross revealed that despite his frame, Gray is someone who relishes a physical battle and does not shy away from a challenge.
He continued: “He’s a fighter too. He does not shirk challenges. He is not cowed by anyone, despite his tender years and slender frame. When a boot needs putting in, he’ll put it in. His control at close quarters with opponents always caught the eye too. He rarely gave the ball away and would find his way out of tight spots.
“There’s the obvious stuff he can do too, like threading a pass over long and short distances. Goals and assists didn’t flow, but he spent the majority of the year at right-back.”
When asked if Gray is ready for the Premier League, the reporter said: “Yes. Many Spurs fans will have already seen the compilation of highlights from his FA Cup appearance at Chelsea last season. In one match, playing in midfield, he ran the game despite being faced with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.”
When asked what Spurs can expect from the 18-year-old in the next few years, Cross responded: “Well, I noticed on the Gold and Guest podcast there was a reluctance to mention Jude Bellingham too frequently, but that’s the kind of comparison we have been making at Elland Road.
“Nobody can be sure he will be as good as Bellingham, but this is the type of company we think he will eventually keep.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Almost everyone working in the game appears to be convinced that Gray is destined for big things in the future.
However, the fact that he is only 18 means that it would be unfair to expect big things from him straight away and the midfielder could have a steep learning curve over the next year or two at Spurs.
The post ‘Bellingham’ – Leeds United expert tells Spurs fans what to expect from Archie Gray appeared first on The Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.