Thomas Frank admits he’s impressed by Tottenham player who’s only started once this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Even though it’s been a slow start to the season for Archie Gray, he’s just received high praise from Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.

So far this campaign, Tottenham fans should be delighted with how the new era is taking shape under Thomas Frank. They have three wins out of four in the Premier League and also kickstarted their Champions League campaign by beating Villarreal in midweek.

Archie Gray, 19, has struggled for minutes in the opening weeks of the season, making just one start across all competitions. The teenager doesn’t need to get worried quite yet, though.

Last season, Gray played 46 games across all competitions for Spurs, covering multiple different positions as well. We saw the central midfielder cover at full-back and centre-half fairly regularly under Ange Postecoglou’s management.

Even though Postecoglou said Gray would become better from his experience in the heart of defence, his long-term future will surely be in midfield.

• READ MORE: Archie Gray reveals what a ‘massive factor’ was when it came to joining Tottenham from Leeds United in 2024

Thomas Frank likes what he’s seeing from Archie Gray

On Friday, Spurs head coach Frank delivered a glowing verdict on the quality of Gray, suggesting he’s been unfortunate not to play more this season.

He made the interesting observation that he views the Englishman as a midfielder, too.

When discussing Gray, Frank said via Tottenham’s official website: “I like flexible players, which gives us squad depth and different opportunities. I see him more as a midfielder. He has really impressed me. He played a very good pre-season friendly against Newcastle and was great against Burnley. Unfortunately, we can’t play more than 11 players. Maybe we can change the rules…”

The stiff competition in the Tottenham midfield

If Gray wants to play in his preferred central midfield position, he may need to show some more patience while he waits for his opportunity. It should be some comfort to hear the manager’s public support of him.

He faces competition from quality teammates such as Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr to start in the centre of the park.

Gray played for England’s Under-21s side during September’s international break, but he will hope to break back into his club side sooner rather than later. The fact that he’s still only just 19 means time is on his side. Also, Frank will need to rotate at some stage due to his team’s hectic fixture schedule.

We’re optimistic that Gray will get chances to impress before the next international break against October. For sure, he will have his eyes locked on the trip to Elland Road against boyhood club Leeds.