Tottenham fans are growing increasingly frustrated with Archie Gray’s usage at England Under-21 level, as the young midfielder continues to be played out of position in defence.
We reported earlier this month that at the youth level, a few of Tottenham Hotspur’s youngsters are out on international break.
To be precise, four Spurs stars, including Mathys Tel, Archie Gray, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert, are all out representing their respective countries.
Moore has grabbed a goal for the England U19s, but also picked up an injury in the same clash.
Meanwhile, Odobert showed great work rate and a willingness to work hard in France’s clash against Portugal, while Tel grabbed a goal after scoring from the spot against Georgia.
Archie Gray situation frustrates Tottenham fans
While these three have impressed, Gray has not had a similar impact while out with England Under-21, and this has left Tottenham fans frustrated.
Supporters of the Lilywhites have been quick to express their discontent with the role Archie Gray has been given while on international break with England, as the midfielder featured as a centre-back once again in the Three Lions’ clash against Slovenia.
The Spurs man has now featured as a right-sided defender in both of England’s first two matches, and in the most recent, Gray was subbed off after 64 minutes as England Under-21 went in search of a win against Slovenia.
Fans of Tottenham took to social media to voice their discontent about how the player’s development is going.
One fan said: “Archie Gray stuck right back again. He is either just not that good, or his development is being hindered by every manager he plays under. I thought he was a CDM?”
Another chimed in: “It turns out playing a lot of games out of position in a terrible Spurs team has not helped Archie Gray’s development much.”
There was yet further frustration from supporters: “I am so tired of seeing Archie Gray being played in defence.”
Another fan stated: “Archie Gray is just 19 and has played over 100 games, every position as a defender, I feel sorry for him.”
Why Spurs fans are right to be concerned about Archie Gray
Of course, while the frustration of fans is very evident, being able to play in multiple positions has also helped the youngster, who racked up a substantial amount of gametime for Tottenham Hotspur last season, playing across the backline.
In fact, 34 of Gray’s 46 appearances last campaign came playing across a makeshift backline, while he featured just five times in his preferred position as a defensive midfielder.
Indeed, it seems as though his versatility is working against him now, but given the rigours of football, being good enough to play in several positions would later bode well for him.
Still, as a youngster, his managers should allow him to master playing in a specific position before moving him around.
Thomas Frank, for sure, would have to find the best way to nurture the 19-year-old’s talent to bring the best out of him in a Spurs shirt.
Played as… Appearances
Centre-Back 20
Right-Back 9
Defensive Midfield 5
Left-Back 5
Central Midfield 2
