Tottenham Hotspur have been disappointing in their most recent matches, as they struggled to get a 2-2 draw with Bodo Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday after a last gasp 1-1 draw with Wolves in the Premier League over the weekend.
These are the kinds of clubs Spurs should be beating comfortably, and after taking the fight to PSG while blowing out Manchester City weeks later, Spurs have shown that they are capable of playing at a high-end Champions League level.
Thomas Frank is still in the process of figuring out his best XI, and Spurs supporters are in his ear trying to get the Danish manager to give a chance to some of the young guns. Specifically, former Leeds midfielder Archie Gray is someone the fans would like to see getting more starts, including on Saturday afternoon in his former stadium.
It appears Frank may be willing to oblige. Ahead of Matchday 7 against Leeds, Frank waxed poetic about Gray, “He's still a very young man. He played a lot of Premier League minutes [last season], across the defence and in midfield. So many experiences, some tough moments and in those you develop. I really, really like him as a player. He needs to keep doing as he's doing. Came on against Bodo, part of making a difference, he did well against Doncaster and learned a lot. I like everything about him.”
Rodrigo Bentancur had better watch his 6
Of course, Gray will have to show what he can do against bigger opponents than Burnley and Doncaster, but the traits he displayed in these games are translatable anywhere. Especially moreso than current incumbent starter Rodrigo Bentancur, Gray brings bravery in his approach and ball progression as a dribbler and passer.
His work on the ball, as well as his defensive efforts, are much appreciated by the Spurs supporters and lend themselves well to more regular starts. If Frank likes "everything" about Gray and is as smitten with a player he tried hard to sign for Brentford a couple of years ago, then it stands to reason that more minutes should be forthcoming for the English midfielder.
Bentancur has been showing cracks in his usefuleness to Spurs, particularly over the long term, and even a new extension doesn't necessarily mean Frank is going to favor him over Gray when he likes Gray more and if he sees better play from the 19-year-old prospect.
Gray is still very much growing as a player and will have lumps, which Frank himself has obviously acknowledged. But the upside is there and the growth under a much better manager tactically is already apparent just a few games into his sophomore season with Tottenham.