Tottenham Hotspur fans are finally realising the level of talent they signed from Leeds United in Archie Gray.
Gray joined Tottenham in a £40 million deal back in July but after a period of struggle for the club, supporters were questioning their decision to buy a number of teenagers in the summer.
It has taken Gray some time to force his way into Spurs’ starting line-up and it has actually come in an unusual position for him, starting the last three matches at centre-back.
Tottenham’s media were full of praise for Gray‘s display in the win over Manchester United on Thursday, just as they were against Southampton and Rangers last week too.
Spurs progressed through to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup with that victory last night, with Gray starting each of their three matches in the competition.
Spurs fans agree with Bielsa comments on Gray
Bielsa included Gray in a couple of Premier League matchday squads when he was just 15, and did that after tipping him to become an ‘elite’ player.
Gray is already showing he can mix it with the very best at Spurs, and their supporters are starting to realise just how good he is after an extended run in the team, out of position.
“A massive positive of the last few weeks is the emergence of Archie Gray,” one fan wrote. “Truly believe he is our future. Family pedigree of quality, no nonsense footballer. Our future captain imo.”
He wrote: “Archie Gray “it was my fault,” need more of this mentality from the others. Accountability. Not saying it was but as an 18year old this is big.”
This fan took aim at Spurs fans criticising the signing of Gray. “Just think some of our fan base was moaning about the Archie Gray signing this lad is a seriously good player!”
He said: “Archie Gray is an incredible talent. 18 years of age and has been solid in RB and CB when DM is his natural role.”
Another fan not only praised Gray, but another of the former Leeds players in Spurs’ ranks. “Watching Archie Gray last night was a joy. Spence too.”
Despite playing centre-back, one fan says you wouldn’t even know it’s not his natural position. “If Archie Gray was a CB I wouldn’t even question it with how good he’s been.”
What Bielsa said about Gray when he was just 15
A bit like Daniel Farke, Bielsa wasn’t usually one to praise his young players too highly whenever he was asked about them by the media.
However, Bielsa made an exception for Gray and that alone shows just how highly the former Leeds manager rated him.
He said: “In spite of being so young, he can compete. But clearly his process has been altered to get to be an elite player. He has the resources to achieve it, he will achieve it. He is very, very strong mentally.
“He is a player who is very intelligent. I ignore what his life is, usually, but given how he behaves with us on a day to day basis I can see that his education is really well-controlled.”
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