There were a lot of eyebrows raised when Tottenham Hotspur forked out luxury money to bring in a teenager with only one season of senior football under his belt in the English second tier; however, Archie Gray has taken to the Premier League equally easily, with the Englishman enjoying a standout season at White Hart Lane despite being forced to operate in multiple roles across the back line, all out of his preferred midfield role.

The 18-year-old has been a mainstay in the backline, filling in at all four positions (right-back, right centre-back, left centre-back, and left-back) at some point in the ongoing campaign owing to the injury crisis that the Lilywhites have been facing at the back. Gray started as a right-back in the North Londoners 4-0 humiliation against Liverpool at Anfield Stadium last night in the EFL Cup semi-finals.

Redknapp sympathizes for Gray

And former Tottenham midfielder Jamie Redknapp spoke with sympathy for academy graduate at Elland Road while acknowledging how the teenager had to endure the difficult circumstances in the ongoing season as he makes himself accustomed to the ins and outs of top-tier football. Speaking on Sky Sports, Redknapp noted (via. Tottenham News):

“Every challenge that gets thrown at him, he seems to handle it. Part of you feels sorry for him but you can’t do because he is playing Premier League football, getting amazing experience but I think if you asked him where does he want to play, he would say centre-midfield.”

Despite the challenges that he has had to face, Gray’s performances filling in as a makeshift player have not gone completely unnoticed, with a wide section of Spurs supporters appreciating his ability to step up in multiple roles, which also speaks volumes about his character and potential at such an age.

Postecoglou’s decision to start Gray in such an important game and start right-back Pedro Porro on the bench shows how the head coach also has confidence in the teenager.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• “He is looking at six months…” – Former scout makes injury claim about Tottenham defender
• “I’d be more than happy for Tottenham to sign him…” – Podcast host backs move for striker who faced Ange Postecoglou’s side earlier today
• “Clubs don’t want to deal with Tottenham…” – Club insider makes frustrating Daniel Levy claim

Hopefully this is just the start of what could go on to become an iconic career at White Hart Lane.