Former Leeds United star Archie Gray has stood out in Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-0 win over Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday night.
A product of the Leeds academy, the teenage midfielder made a name for himself at Elland Road before leaving the Whites to join Tottenham in the summer.
Leeds’ decision to sell him was termed heartbreaking given his family’s connection with the club but it probably helped the Yorkshire giants stay within the PSR regulations.
Gray is still trying to establish himself at Tottenham and the club’s decision to sign him has been criticised by Jamie O’Hara who feels the teenager is nothing more than a Championship player at this stage.
However, there are signs that the midfielder is coming into his own at Leeds and he garnered praise for his performance in the Europa League win on Thursday night.
Ex-Leeds United star termed ‘composed’ and ‘eye-catching’
Tottenham were down to ten men early when Radu Dragusin was sent off in the seventh minute against Qarabag and Spurs had to change their gameplan.
Gray started at right-back and produced a solid performance as Tottenham kept Qarabag at bay with ten men and managed to win 3-0 at home.
The defender’s performance was rated eight out of ten by the London Evening Standard and his composure during the 90 minutes under tough circumstances earned praise.
The daily wrote about Gray’s performance: “Composed and eye-catching in possession, and made one outstanding run up the pitch.
“Defended well, even if he was often outnumbered down the right.”
Gray is still settling in and trying to establish himself at Tottenham but the early signs are good for the ex-Leeds star.
He has made three substitute appearances in the league thus far and will hope to get his first start in the Premier League soon.
However, he is expected to drop back to the bench when Tottenham visit Old Trafford to take on Manchester United on Sunday.
