While there was much to be excited about in the summer transfer window, once the dopamine wore off and we took a step back, it became clear that Roberto De Zerbi's squad has been erroneously built for the 2026/27 campaign.
Spurs have undoubtedly added some nice pieces, and the club shifted players at the right moment. It was time for Cristian Romero to move on, and Djed Spence's stock was at an all-time high.
We may not have cashed in to the extent plenty of supporters would've liked, but these were selling opportunties Spurs couldn't pass up. Spence, for example, was bound for a campaign in reserve, possibily reducing our selling options in 2027, when he would've had a year left on his contract.
However, the decision (or inability) not to sign a bona fide replacement—a full-back comfortable on either side—means Archie Gray is operating as Pedro Porro's deputy. Gray is so obviously talented, but he's unlikely to ever develop into the star so many think he could become by playing in the back four.
Archie Gray unlikely to get chances to develop in best position
Gray certainly isn't performing your typical right-back function, although the modern-day full-back is asked to do much more than merely get up and down the touchline. De Zerbi wants his right-back to rotate with a midfielder and take up positions infield.
Porro was particularly effective in the role during the backend of last season, scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion by running in behind. Gray did the same at Anfield on Tuesday night, but a Cody Gakpo nudge prevented him from having an opportunity to potentially score.
It was at the other end where Gray's deficiencies as a full-back came to light, allowing Gakpo far too much room to score Liverpool's second when the pair went eye-to-eye one-on-one.
Ultimately, the young Englishman has become a victim of his own impressive versatility. He's been used in so many different roles since joining the club, from left-back to holding midfield. Remember that time when he had to fill in alongside Radu Dragusin at centre-back, too? Those were the days.
His role in De Zerbi's squad is rather curious, because the Italian clearly values him, given that he's donned the captain's armband on multiple occasions, yet he's currently regarded as no more than a Porro deputy. With £185m spent on two new midfield recruits, we're unlikely to see Gray shine in the role where he's offered the most promise in N17, and that's in the middle of the park.
The 20-year-old has done nothing but lose with this club, and deserves a ton of credit for how he's conducted himself throughout the most trying of circumstances. He's knuckled down and seldom complained, and that performance against Atlético Madrid as we bowed out of the Champions League last season was a showcase of how good Gray could be.
For the time being, we're likely to be subject to modicums of Gray joy in a role that will ask him to defend one-on-one far too much.
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