Thomas Frank compares Tottenham Hotspur sensation Archie Gray to Arsenal superstar Declan Rice
Tottenham star Archie Gray is preparing for his first return to Elland Road since leaving Leeds United, and his manager Thomas Frank could not be clearer about how high the ceiling is for the teenager.
Gray swapped his boyhood club for Spurs last summer in a £40m move and has already racked up over 50 appearances for Spurs. That is a staggering tally for a 19-year-old, and Frank believes there is much more to come.
Speaking this week, Frank compared Gray’s potential to players of the calibre of Rodri and Declan Rice. Those are midfielders who dominate games in the Premier League and in Europe, and Frank believes Gray has the tools to follow the same path.
Speaking in his pre-match presser, here is what Frank had to say about Gray (h/t The Independent):
“I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and I think these days midfielders need to be more complete.”
“You need to be a little bit of a six, little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice.”
“I think they can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie and they are big names to compare him too, but I see he has got the same potential.”
The future of Tottenham?
The evidence is there. Gray created the late equaliser in Norway against Bodo, albeit an own-goal in the Champions League, showing both awareness and execution in a high-pressure moment. He looked crisp and composed in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster as well. These are the sorts of experiences that help accelerate the development of a young midfielder, and Gray has shown he is ready to handle them.
Alongside him, Lucas Bergvall has also been handed key opportunities this season and has already shown he belongs at this level. Between them, Spurs have two of the brightest midfield prospects in Europe, both teenagers, both unafraid of the ball, and both determined to keep improving.
Even the broader fanbase knows that the road is quite long and Gray is just starting along, so challenges and difficulties are almost certain. Give him time, support him when he needs it the most, and in 3-4 years, you’ll be talking about one of the most versatile and complete players in the league.