Tottenham Hotspur cruised through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a comfortable win over Doncaster, but it was the performance of one of their youngsters which has fans talking.
Thomas Frank’s team strongly kick-started their League Cup campaign as they saw off the League One side with a 3-0 win.
Brennan Johnson, Joao Palhinha’s impressive overhead kick and a deflected Wilson Odobert cross allowed them to cruise through into the next round of the competition.
During the match, one of Spurs’ top young talents was used in his favoured role, and his display proved to be one of the key talking points.
Tottenham fans dissect Archie Gray’s performance in midfield vs Doncaster Rovers
Tottenham Hotspur fans have been full of praise and excitement for the performance of Archie Gray, as he impressed against Doncaster.
For just the second time under Frank, the teenager was used in midfield, partnering Rodrigo Bentancur and was even given the freedom to get forward.
The Uruguayan played in a deeper number six role, whilst Gray was allowed to venture forward at times and showed his impressive skills in possession.
Last week, TBR Football revealed Gray is keen to stay at Tottenham and fight for his place, despite playing just 89 minutes of football prior to Wednesday’s cup tie.
The midfielder certainly showed Frank what he can do playing as a number eight and gives the Spurs boss food for thought moving forward.
During the game, Spurs supporters took to X to share their excitement for the potential of Gray and called for him to be given more chances in midfield.
One fan said: “Archie Gray is having a good game. Clearly a central midfielder, not a right back or central defender.”
“Archie Gray is still a teenager, just wait till this guy is in his 20s lol, Sarr, Bergvall and Gray we got some great players in midfield for the next five years,” added another fan.
There was further praise for the midfielder: “Archie Gray showing he’s a seriously good player at central midfield tonight! Running the midfield.”
Finally, another added: “Archie Gray as the more advanced midfielder in a pivot. Wow.”
Frank wants to use Gray in midfield, so he will be delighted to see the youngster play so well there in the EFL Cup third round.
The Danish head coach already has several options in midfield, including Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Bentancur and Palhinha.
Joao Palhinha could be the Premier League signing of the summer
Palhinha could actually be a strong contender for the Premier League’s best signing of the summer for another strong performance.
The Portuguese international moved into defence to allow Gray to play in midfield and the 30-year-old showed his experience.
The former Bayern Munich man adds so much experience to this Spurs squad and this will be so important for Frank across the season.