Leeds United sold Archie Gray to Tottenham at the start of July, and while the midfielder has been forced to remain at right-back in his early days in North London, he’s impressing along the way.
The Whites were forced into major sales in order to comply with PSR, starting with Archie Gray leaving the club for Tottenham.
A £40million release clause was triggered by Ange Postecoglou’s side, and Gray jumped at the chance to make a significant move up the footballing ladder.
Archie Gray makes Europa League debut at right-back against Qarabag
A Europa League home clash against Qarabag brought Gray’s first European outing since leaving Elland Road for Spurs.
Interestingly, Postecoglou has been eager to see more of Gray at right-back despite the teenager being more suited to a box-to-box role in midfield.
A seven-minute red card for Radu Dragusin threatened Spurs’ chances of sealing a win in their first game, but Spurs cruised through with three goals thanks to Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke.
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Gray gets 8/10 “outstanding” verdict for Europa League display
The Evening Standard have delivered their verdict of the match, including a rave review for Gray at right-back.
Gray was given an 8/10 rating for his performance on Thursday night:
“Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch. Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.”
Gray showing quality at top club in Tottenham, shame Leeds had to sell
Losing Gray was a gutting blow, but it did seem peculiar that Postecoglou was willing to only play him in midfield initially.
However, his right-back role could be much more suited to Spurs than Leeds, given he’s inverting a lot and essentially a crucial part of buildup, more than he was at Leeds.
His long-term role is still in midfield, but it’s encouraging for his prospects at Spurs knowing he’s capable of playing at right-back in this system.
