Tottenham Hotspur have been rocked by major injury news this week that means Lucas Bergvall will miss the rest of the season and James Maddison could be set for a spell on the sidelines too.
A big 3-1 win over Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final on Thursday has set the club up for a potential crescendo in their season, after a poor campaign in the Premier League which has seen them sitting in 16th place before a ball is kicked before their clash with West Ham on Sunday.
But the result was marred by injuries to key players in Bergvall and Maddison. The Swedish youngster will be unavailable for the rest of the campaign following an ankle ligament injury, while Maddison is set for a scan on a knee problem which forced him off.
With Ange Postecoglou's future hanging in the balance and arguably relying on a victory in Europe, this is the chance for him to finally unleash Archie Gray in his favoured midfield role.
Postecoglou Must Unleash Gray Now
'Generational' talent is ready to step in
Since arriving in north London in a £40m deal from Leeds United last summer, Postecoglou has mostly used teenage sensation Gray in defence.
Initially he started as a right-back option alongside Pedro Porro, before then filling in as a centre-back for much of the campaign when Cristian Romero and Micky Van de Ven were sidelined through injury. But while he impressed at the back, it must be remembered that he is one of the brightest midfield talents in the country.
Described as "generational" in the past and compared to Jude Bellingham, Gray has all the attributes and skills to step into midfield and shine, and make what looks like a horrific situation for Spurs not so bad.
In recent months, Postecoglou has relied on the energy, ball-winning ability and technical quality of Bergvall in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. His form has been so good that he has already been handed a new long-term contract and his importance to the side is immeasurable.
There are big question marks over Yves Bissouma's future, while Pape Sarr has failed to show the levels he initially brought to the table. With Maddison also potentially sidelined, this is a perfect chance for Gray to make his mark in midfield finally.
The teenager has already shown his class to step into difficult situations, and using him in the Bergvall role could bring the best out of him while also allowing Spurs to keep their momentum without having to change their style or plans.
The perfect time to give him that chance will come against West Ham, another struggling team where both teams will be up for it as it's a London derby. If he shines and steps up, then he deserves to take a midfield spot for the rest of the season.
Mikey Moore is a young forward that all the Tottenham fans want to see be given an opportunity, but with the squad the way it is right now, Gray is the man who deserves the chance more.
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