Ange Postecoglou believes Archie Gray will benefit from playing youth football, although he has no plans to send the teenager to the Tottenham U21s any time soon.
Great early signs from Archie Gray
It is not often that a player costs £40m after getting just one season of Championship football under his belt, but such is Gray’s reputation.
Just a couple of months into his Spurs career, it is already clear why there was so much hype about the youngster at Leeds, with the teenager having featured in four different positions for the Lilywhites.
His showing against Ferencvaros was undoubtedly his best at Tottenham so far, with the newcomer looking extremely comfortable and carrying the ball forward with authority.
Postecoglou’s admission
While Gray still has some way to go before he can establish himself as a regular in the Tottenham starting lineup and potentially dream of an England call-up, he was called up to the Young Lions squad for their Euro 2025 qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
That means that the youngster will not be at Hotspur Way during the international break, but Postecoglou welcomed the call-up, suggesting that it will aid Gray’s development.
When asked if an Under-21 call-up is ideal for a player who is looking to break into the Tottenham side, Postecoglou told Football.London: “I guess it depends. I think these things you should treat on an individual basis. Footballers are at different levels in their careers.
“I think Archie will really benefit from under-21 football. He’s only really had one year of senior football. There could be another player that already has that experience. I can understand that u21 at international football, you ask ‘is there a benefit’? I am a fan of international football as I have seen how much it helps young players develop.”
Gray ready for the highest level
While Gray’s ability has never been in doubt, what has also stood out about the youngster is his composure and maturity. The 18-year-old certainly does not seem fazed by the big occasion and seems like he believes he belongs at this level.
If there is an injury to Pedro Porro or to one of the midfielders, the teenager is certainly ready to step into the Tottenham side as a regular.