Roberto De Zerbi has spoken about Archie Gray and what he thinks the 20-year-old’s best position is at Tottenham.
Given the improvements that Tottenham have made to their midfield this summer, there have been rumours linking almost all of their midfielders with a move away from the club.
That includes Archie Gray, who has been mooted as a target for Newcastle United, but it appears that the Lilywhites have no plans of letting him go.
That is according to TEAMtalk, who have claimed that Gray has no fears about his game time at Spurs and that De Zerbi has been left impressed with the young midfielder.
Roberto De Zerbi says Archie Gray can be an example for Tottenham’s youngsters
Despite only being 20, the former Leeds man is one of the more experienced players in Tottenham’s pre-season contingent, with the club taking many academy teenagers on tour to New Zealand and Australia.
The likes of Luca Williams-Barnett and Jamie Donley have caught the eye in the two pre-season friendlies so far, and De Zerbi believes that the young guns in his squad can learn from Gray in terms of developing the right mentality.
When asked how important it is for young players to have someone like the England U21 international to look up to, the Tottenham boss said (via Football.London): “Yes, Archie is young, but he’s an old player, as a mentality, as a performance, as an experience, as a career. But the young players have to push, because with me as a coach, they have the chance to play.
“Logically, they have to show me they are ready, they have qualities, they have a mentality to play in this club. But when I decide the players, when I decide the squad, I never see the age of the players. I just analyse the qualities and the potential of these players.”
De Zerbi admits Gray’s versatility is a big bonus for Spurs
We have seen Gray operate at right-back during pre-season, with the youngster having already played in midfield, at centre-back and at left-back for the club.
While De Zerbi conceded it was important for the Englishman to fix one position, he admitted that his versatility is a huge bonus to Tottenham.
When asked where he sees Gray playing during the upcoming season, the Italian responded: “It’s lucky for me when you have these type of players who are able to play in different positions. Okay, it’s important for him to fix one position, one favourite position, but at the end, he has to be open to cover different positions on the pitch. He can play as a right back, as a left back, as a midfielder.
“Nothing changes for smart players. A smart player, I think, is improving in the knowledge on the pitch, because changing position, you change body shape, you change direction when you receive the ball and when you give the ball. But he’s an important player for me, even if he can play in different positions.”