Tottenham Hotspur‘s Archie Gray has been backed to be an even better player than Arsenal’s Declan Rice.
That is according to Tottenham icon Darren Anderton, who feels the 20-year-old has more natural ability than his Arsenal counterpart.
Tottenham are currently fighting to stay in the Premier League, with Igor Tudor’s side just one point and two places above the relegation zone.
On Sunday, they host 17th-placed Nottingham Forest in a relegation six-pointer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Amid their struggles, ex-Tottenham star Anderton thinks Gray has the potential to go right to the very top of the game.
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Archie Gray vs Declan Rice
Rice is arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League right now, with the former West Ham star playing a key role in Arsenal’s push for an historic quadruple – not that we like to talk about it!
And while Gray is showing what a talent he can be, many would view Anderton’s proclamation as a bold one.
Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds United in 2024 as an 18-year-old for a whopping £40million. But for much of his time at Spurs, the midfielder has played out of position in defence.
The 20-year-old has proven his worth at centre-back and full-back but now he is finally being given a chance to shine in midfield, which is his natural position.
Indeed, against Atletico Madrid in a 3-2 Champions League win on Wednesday, Gray was arguably the best player on the pitch.
In the Premier League this season, Gray has lost the ball fewer times than Rice and the Arsenal man has committed more fouls than the Tottenham youngster. And according to Anderton, with Gray, the sky is the limit.
He told The Sun’s print edition: “Thinking about how well Archie played against Atletico and the energy he played with, he reminded me of Declan Rice.
“I actually think he could go on and be even better than Rice, who is a hell of a player but Archie has more natural ability.”
Rice does edge Gray when it comes to goals and assists, and per 90 minutes, he leads him for interceptions (1 vs 0.7), tackles (1.9 vs 0.5), clearances (2.2 vs 2.1), and big chances created (14 vs 3).
But Rice is 27, is in his peak, is at a top side competing for four trophies, and has top-class players around him. Gray, though, is only really just beginning. Think what he could achieve if he was at a team higher up the league, with first-rate teammates around him.
The England Under-21 international has a long way to go to catch up the Arsenal ace but he is certainly on an upward trajectory.
It must be remembered just how young Gray is, and just how much potential he has.
Gray has chance to make England’s World Cup squad
Anderton added that Gray has an outside shot of securing a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.
He pointed out that Gray has been so impressive despite Tottenham’s struggles and even if he doesn’t head to North America with the Three Lions, he will undoubtedly get an England call soon.
For now, though, Gray has been picked in the England Under-21s latest squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Anderton added: “I think he could have a chance to go to the World Cup. It may come too soon but his maturity amongst these struggles at Spurs has been so impressive. Without a shadow of doubt, I expect him to be a future England player.
“He’s been playing out of position and he’s just 20, so he can be anything he wants to be. He’s been the one shining light during this difficult season for Tottenham.”