Dan Kilpatrick has suggested that Tottenham Hotspur face a big puzzle with respect to their midfield, explaining why Ange Postecoglou could prioritise signing a defensive midfielder this summer rather than using Archie Gray in that role.
Archie Gray has been tipped by some to become a Tottenham legend, such as been the impact that he has made since his switch from Leeds United last summer.
The 20-year-old has looked extremely calm and composed despite being asked to play out of position, and it was only in Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat at Craven Cottage two weeks ago that Gray got his first opportunity to play in midfield.
Spurs fans may be hoping to soon see Gray line up with Lucas Bergvall in the middle of the park, but Kilpatrick explains why that might not be likely.
Dan Kilpatrick on Tottenham’s midifeld conendtrum
The Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick writes that the hope at Hotspur Way is that Gray will evolve into a leading midfield player.
However, he explains that the view of many at Spurs is that Bergvall and Gray are both better suited to box-to-box roles long-term rather than the number six role.
He states that with Yves Bissouma’s future at Tottenham looking uncertain and with Rodrigo Bentancur also attracting transfer interest ahead of the summer, we might see the Lilywhites prioritise signing a top-class number six at the end of the season.
Tottenham may turn to a discount option
Kilpatrick points out that Tottenham have a ‘contingency plan’ for the number six role, having acquired a £21m option to buy Johnny Cardoso, which will become active this summer.
Johnny Cardoso recently admitted that Tottenham’s buy clause is giving him confidence at Real Betis this season. It remains to be seen whether the Lilywhites will jump at the chance to sign him in the coming months.
The journalist suggests that the Real Betis man’s qualities off the ball would make him different to any of the other options Ange Postecoglou has at his disposal, with the USA international potentially helping address Tottenham’s lack of muscle in the middle of the park.
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