Tottenham's biggest gem is at risk of an existential crisis

Tottenham Hotspur thought they had flipped the script on their 2026/27 Premier League season with three impressive victories in a row, including a rare clean sheet victory at Stamford Bridge vs. Chelsea, but their 1-0 loss to Leeds United at Elland Road proved that Spurs still have a long way to go and have to continue to take stock of their squad under Roberto De Zerbi.

The Italian manager made a few tactical errors, and one of them proved to be pushing to start Archie Gray in the middle of the park. Although Gray would have made a lot more sense staying at right back after a few great performances at the position with the young man clicking in the role now, De Zerbi badly wanted Pedro Porro to start and make his injury return. Not only was Porro honestly terrible, but so was Gray, despite returning to his favored position in midfield. And key to that rerror on De Zerbi's part was the fact that he played without a 10 and shifted Mateus Fernandes away from the double pivot.

But again, Gray has to answer for his poor display. He led the team with two key passes, but he otherwise offered nothing - and those key passes honestly flattered those who watched him play against his old team. There was no revenge, as much as Roberto De Zerbi seemed to want that angle by starting the young England international, but there was egg on the face of the top young player in the Tottenham Hotspur side.

And Tottenham fans are having a serious go at Gray, wondering what exactly he is offering to this team beyond the theoretical and upside. It sounds harsh, but there needs to be this sort of an honest review of players, including young players the fans like, in order for Tottenham to get better.

Archie Gray has such a bright future ahead of him, but beyond versatility and some nice plays for the social media reels, the midfielder has not been able to assert himself yet. He does not control the games, he can create chances but not at enough of a volume to justify starting, his defending is good without being great, and he can progress the ball but not necessarily at the level of a starter at a top club.

In short, Gray has the tools, but a lot of what he gets praised for as a midfielder isn't actually helping Tottenham win games. Spurs are going to give him more minutes there with Pedro Porro back, and with higher expectations this season than last season, Gray could get exposed if he doesn't start offering more tangible production.