Owen Hargreaves believes that Tottenham’s future is secure, given the talent that two of their teenage stars possess.
Until a month ago, Thomas Frank was vehemently defending the Joao Palhinha-Rodrigo Bentancur double pivot, even though the flaws of the midfield pairing were clear for all to see.
However, the Dane has now quietly moved away from that over the last weeks, with Archie Gray getting the nod to start since he has recovered from his injury.
Gray’s progressive passing numbers have been impressive recently, and it looks like the teenager’s addition may have finally solved Tottenham’s creative issues in the middle of the park.
Owen Hargreaves makes claim about Tottenham’s midfield future
Following Spurs’ 3-0 win over Slavia Prague, Hargreaves lavished praise on Gray, suggesting that the youngster has no apparent weaknesses in his game.
The former Man United man suggested that the former Leeds man, along with fellow 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall, is going to be the future of the Tottenham midfield.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Hargreaves claimed: “I think he [Gray] has the potential to be exceptional, he’s only 19, but I think he’s got everything. Technically, I think he’s very good. He’s got a good profile, and he has got a great engine.
“He’s a great lad, you can see that, but I think he’s a really good player. I think he and Bergvall are going to be the future of this team.”
Gray and Bergvall have a fantastic connection at Spurs
The teenagers appear to have a natural understanding on the pitch, and that seemingly comes from their connection to it.
Gray admitted that he and Bergvall are very close friends, and explained that the pair are confident in passing the ball to each other even when the pressure is on.
That is the sort of bravery that Tottenham lacked earlier in the season, with Joao Palhinha, for all his brilliant work on the ball, being very safe in possession.