Archie Gray comes in defence of the struggling Tottenham Hotspur skipper Son Heung-min
It may have caught many Tottenham Hotspur fans by surprise in January when the club chose to simply activate the one-year extension in Son Heung-min’s contract, thus securing his future until 2026, rather than offering him a long-term deal. He had entered the final six months of his contract, which made him eligible to negotiate a move to a foreign club.
The Spurs hierarchy may feel their decision to hand a one-year extension to their skipper has been vindicated, given the versatile forward’s massive dip in form this season. In fact, the club are even open to listening to offers for the South Korean international, who has struggled to string consistent performances under Ange Postecoglou.
However, despite speculation over his future rife, Ange Postecoglou wants to retain Son Heung-min for the 2025/26 season. The Australian tactician has dismissed concerns over the veteran star’s form and hopes the player fulfils his contract until 2026.
Tottenham starlet Archie Gray certainly agrees with his gaffer’s assessment, with the English midfielder praising Son Heung-min for helping him settle down at the club and adapt to the rigours of Premier League football following his last summer’s switch from Championship side Leeds United.
“He’s [Son] definitely a world-class player and as a person, he’s probably one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. Ever since I first moved to the club, he always sat down and had breakfast with me every morning,” Archie Gray told ESPN.
“Which, for a new player at the club – you look at players like Sonny, Madders [James Maddison], all of them in the squad to be fair – you wouldn’t really expect them to go out of their way to speak to the new 18-year-old who’s just come from a Championship club. To be fair to them, they’ve helped me settle in really well and everyone has been amazing with me.”
Archie Gray has grown into a key player for Ange Postecoglou’s side in recent months. The England youth international has played everywhere across Spurs’ defence, delivering some eye-catching performances. At 18, the Durham-born talent has shown great maturity and understanding of the game, and amidst the injury crisis he has taken the opportunities that came his way with both hands.
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It feels like Son has done his bit in helping Gray settle down at his new surroundings following his transfer from South Yorkshire. This is what leaders and experienced campaigners are all about, and while their guidance on the pitch for young talents remains extremely important, how they conduct themselves off the field leaves a huge impression on them. Gray has all the makings of becoming a leader at Tottenham in the future.
Having Son for another season would massively help the prodigious talent from Durham—both on and off the pitch.
