Thomas Frank reveals where he intends to deploy prodigious Tottenham talent

Archie Gray’s best position at Tottenham revealed

Archie Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds United last season and ended his debut season in north London with 46 appearances under his belt. A midfielder by trade, the England youth international was predominantly used across the backline by Ange Postecoglou, though, owing to Spurs’ injury crisis.

Under Frank, Gray has found opportunities hard to come by. After starting the new season’s first game in midfield in the 3-0 win over Burnley, the youngster has not featured in the following games for Spurs. He has remained an unused substitute in the fixtures against Manchester City, Bournemouth, West Ham and Villarreal.

In the pre-match press conference against Brighton, Frank was asked about Gray’s situation at the club and how he plans to use him this season. The Dane highlighted that he likes flexible players like the Englishman, and revealed that he sees the teenager mainly as a central midfielder or centre-back, with the confidence that he can play in both positions well.

“I think it is fair to say he [Gray] mainly played as a centre-back and full-back last season. There were very few as a central midfielder,” Frank was quoted by Football London.

“I like flexible players, I think every coach likes that, I definitely like that and also it gives a little more squad depth at times and more opportunities like different abilities for different games.

“I see him more as a midfielder, as an eight or centre-back, I think he can play both. And sometimes you need that little run of games like Lucas gets now and you take the next steps.

“I must admit Archie really impressed me. He played a very good pre-season friendly against Newcastle and he really grew into the game against Burnley, he was really good in the second half and I like his mentality.”

Chance for Archie Gray to seek loan move?

It is good to see Frank recognise Gray’s best position lies in midfield at Tottenham. The Durham-born talent featured only a handful of times in midfield last season and that came in the last few Premier League fixtures when Ange was prioritising the Europa League. However, in comparison to last term, the 19-year-old has not played at all this season after amassing 71 minutes against Burnley.

Gray is too good a talent to waste his developmental years by warming the benches. We expect Frank to use him as the season progresses and injuries and suspensions kicks in, but if his situation does not improve in the next couple of months, the player could ask the club for a loan in January.

Tottenham will travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton Saturday, and it remains to be seen whether Frank will rotate his squad after the midweek exertions against Villarreal and Gray will get a start.