TBR Football understands that one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top young talents remains keen on fighting for his place under Thomas Frank despite playing limited minutes.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs squad has become rather bloated following a strong summer transfer window, and that has made competition for places rather strong.
Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel all missed out on Spurs’ Champions League squad.
The Danish manager has been sparingly using one of Tottenham Hotspur’s top youngsters, handing him limited game time so far this season.
Exclusive: Archie Gray unlikely to push for Tottenham loan
Archie Gray is unlikely to push for a loan move away from Tottenham in January, with the midfielder expected to stay and fight for his place in the team, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.
The 19-year-old has played just 89 minutes of football so far this season, with his only start coming in the first Premier League match against Burnley.
Spurs’ last Premier League win away at West Ham saw him miss out on the squad entirely, which will be a concern, given Tottenham paid £40m for Gray last summer.
Asked whether Gray could be heading out on loan, Bailey told TBR Football: “I don’t think so. I think it’s a wake-up call. Look at what Lucas Bergvall is doing. Gray is one of those players who will not shy away from a fight. I’ve seen him since he was 14, so I’m a bit biased.
“He’s an absolute superstar. He should be pushing for England contention, though he probably won’t. He has all the potential in the world, and it’s good that he’ll now be seen more as a midfielder.
“It hasn’t helped him in the past, but Tottenham appreciated what he did last season when he filled in at the back. He could do that because he’s a brilliant footballer with a brilliant football mind. That’s why he could play in defence, he is that good.”
Frank tried to sign Gray at Brentford, but the teenager instead opted to make the move to North London.
“He could be a good Premier League defender, but he’s potentially a world-class midfielder. Tottenham have two absolute superstars in Bergvall and Gray,” added Bailey.
“In terms of a loan, I don’t think Gray will want that, but we’ll see. Sarr is playing well, Bergvall is playing well. Gray is probably fifth or sixth in the pecking order at the moment, but it will be interesting to see how he breaks through.”
Thomas Frank on Archie Gray’s best position
Speaking about him last month, Frank was keen to give a definitive answer as to his best position, claiming that he is a ‘flexible player’.
Frank told the media: “We need to be aware of putting different players in different positions. I think he’s a player who is a flexible player.
“He can definitely play at centre-back and right-back, but I think he’s more natural as a midfielder, but he can play all three positions.
“I like his dynamism, he covers a lot of ground, he’s good in duels, good under pressure, and has a desire to carry the ball forward as well.”