Archie Gray is teasing what Tottenham actually want to see
Archie Gray has mostly been starting as a right back this season, and while he did make one start against Coventry a couple of weeks ago in his preferred midfield position for Tottenham Hotspur in what was their first win of the season, he has been back on the right side of the defense since then.
But Gray continues to be an asset as the default backup right back for Pedro Porro, who entered the match for the second half after being determined not fully fit to start. As Porro played well for the last 45 minutes and looked sharp, it appears he will be ready to start next weekend against Leeds United in the Premier League, which means no more Gray at right back, for now.
Gray has been getting better and better in a position that is not his own, and he had another great 45 minutes against Crystal Palace in Spurs third win in a row. By Roberto De Zerbi's own admission, Gray was only taken out because he was on a yellow card - and also presumably to give Porro more action as he works his way back to starting after yet another injury setback since his incredible World Cup.
Archie Gray has a lot to offer in midfield
The young England international scored a headed goal to open things up against Palace, finding himself unmarked beyond the six yard box before finishing a sharp Mohammed Kudus cross into the far post. And he completed almost 98 percent of his passes, attempting a whopping 47 passes from the right back position in just 45 minutes of action.
Archie Gray has shown great quality of passing and instincts attacking wise in getting into the final third and even operating in central areas, making forays into the penalty area on and off the ball from right back without sacrificing literally anything defensively.
By shining in this role, Gray is becoming a more active player, smarter off the ball, better defensively, more apt at covering ground in a true end to end - and not just box to box - role, and also superior in his understanding of the game.
And Tottenham Hotspur are excited to see just how these new traits translate to the midfield position, which is truly his home. Roberto De Zerbi has built a new midfield base out of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, who were both exceptional again as a pair in Spurs latest clean sheet victory. But Gray is another mouth to feed that will be fed, and he is a long term star with a story to tell in the middle of the park. By scoring and passing it all around the pitch against Palace, Gray continues to tease a big breakout under De Zerbi in the middle of the park one day.
