Archie Gray could be set for a major boost with one of Tottenham Hotspur’s key midfielders set to be handed a ban which could keep him out for several weeks.
The midfielder has struggled to break into Ange Postecoglou’s first team since arriving from Leeds United in a deal worth around £40 million.
Gray has been linked with a loan move in January, however, the teenager is intent on staying at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and fighting for his place.
He has played just 41 minutes of Premier League action this season and when he has been handed opportunities in the cup competitions, he’s been deployed as a full-back. But now, with one of Spurs’ midfielders set for a ban, he could finally be handed his chance.
Rodrigo Bentancur set for lengthy ban
Rodrigo Bentancur is set to be handed a lengthy ban from the FA following comments he made towards Heung-min Son last summer.
The Uruguayan was charged by the FA for his offensive comments and has been awaiting a ban from the Football Association.
According to the reliable Tottenham X account, Spurs Journo, his ban is set to be seven matches and could be announced before the Manchester City clash on November 23. Football.London reported back in September that six to 12 matches was the expected timeframe.
A seven-game ban for Bentancur would see him miss games against City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Southampton, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Archie Gray should replace Bentancur, not Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma looks like the obvious candidate to replace Bentancur, however, Postecoglou should be considering finally unleashing Gray.
The former Leeds man has had to be patient in waiting for his chance but it could finally arrive with the 27-year-old now set to miss a large chunk of games.
| Gray | Bissouma | |
| Minutes | 360 | 400 |
| Tackles | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Interceptions | 0.3 | 0.6 |
| Fouls | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Clerances | 1.8 | 1.5 |
| Blocks | 0.8 | 0.1 |
| Key passes | 1 | 0.4 |
| Average passes | 39.5 | 35 |
| Pass completion% | 84.8 | 91.4 |
It’s tricky to compare the two given their limited minutes and Gray having featured almost exclusively as a full-back, however, the England youngster comes out on top in most departments.
His versatile displays being used out of position have shown about enough to be given the chance to now prove himself as a midfielder.
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