Archie Gray is one of the brightest prospects Leeds United have produced in the last few decades, with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder now regularly featuring in the Premier League.
With Frank Gray as his grandfather and Eddie Gray as his great uncle, Archie Gray became the fourth Gray to play for Leeds United when he broke through into the first-team following the club’s relegation to the Premier League.
Gray’s Leeds colours still shine through but the young Leeds hero departed for Tottenham in a £40 million switch last summer after the club failed to gain promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking. Under Ange Postecoglou, Gray has been utilised as a right-back, centre-back, and as a deeper midfielder.
His future is likely to lie in midfield in the long run, although some Spurs fans want to see Gray return to Leeds in the short-term on loan. It was at the base of midfield where he featured during last night’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
Archie Gray joins incredible Spurs list since joining from Leeds
Spurs are now 17th and sat on 38 points heading into their Europa League final and with just one game left of the Premier League season. It’s been a bitterly disappointing campaign but it could have an incredible ending if they beat Manchester United.
For Gray, it has been a productive season and a year which will be particularly beneficial in his development as well. He has played 44 games in all competitions, completing the full 90 last night as a defensive midfielder in a double-pivot.
He has started in 34 of those games so far, with two still left to play. Gray has already had a taste of a final previously with Leeds after losing the play-off final at Wembley but he can hope for better at the San Mames Stadium on Wednesday night.
Irrespective of what happens, Gray’s potential is evident and Spurs know it. The youngster Gray is rubbing shoulders with Cole Palmer but also other impressive Spurs players in years gone by.
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The 19-year-old is alongside Sol Campbell, Dele Alli, and former Leeds man Aaron Lennon in terms of the most starts for Tottenham as teenagers. It underlines his talent and potential as a player and is an incredible list of names to be associated with.
Lennon joined Spurs following Leeds’ relegation and enjoyed ten fantastic years at Spurs. Even a career half as good as that would be an achievement for Gray, who continues to follow in the footsteps of greatness.
Harry Gray’s potential could be greater than Archie Gray’s
Leeds’ famed academy continues to churn out talent and Harry Gray is the latest in the Gray dynasty to collect first-team experience this season. Harry Gray has overtaken Archie and Eddie in one particular area already.
However, he must stay grounded and Daniel Farke has had to speak to Harry Gray regarding keeping his feet on the ground after the promotion celebrations, but also with so much excitement regarding his future.
Speaking of Aaron Lennon, he believes Harry Gray has the potential to be something incredible. Leeds will hope to retain his services for longer than Archie, but the pair will also want to take to the pitch together one day, be that with England, Leeds, or Spurs.