Last season, Tottenham started life under Ange Postecoglou in an unbelievable fashion.
They collected 20 points in their opening eight games, a feat achieved by only 28 teams in Premier League history, of which 11 went on to win the title.
Over the next 30 games, they only managed to pick up 46 points, seeing a steep decline from their fast start.
They went from averaging 2.5 points per game in their first eight matches to just a meagre 1.5 during the remainder of the season.
For Spurs to stake a claim and challenge for UEFA Champions League football, fresh acquisitions are required.
Over the past 12 months, Tottenham Hotspur’s recruitment has witnessed the arrival of some of the most sought-after youth prospects in the game.
Alejo Veliz, Ashley Phillips, Yang Min-Hyeok and Lucas Bergvall have all been brought in at the age of 18 across the past three transfer windows.
However, no name stands out more than Archie Gray — the focus of todays tactical analysis and scout report.
Who Is Archie Gray?
Gray had his breakout season last campaign.
The Leeds United Academy product had been known to the Elland Road faithful for several years prior to the previous season.
Having captained England at U16 level and having been put on the bench at 15 years old by Marcelo Bielsa, Grey has looked destined for the stars.
Making 44 appearances in the EFL Championship last year and winning the prestigious Championship Young Player of the Year award, it looked inevitable Gray would move on after Leeds heartbreakingly lost the playoff final in May.
The England U21 international was sought after by many Premier League clubs, yet North London was Gray’s preferred destination.
Signing for a believed fee of 35 million makes Gray the 6th most expensive teenager in Premier League history.
Since making his first appearances, Spurs supporters have been waxing lyrical about the capabilities of their new boy.
Yet surprisingly, Grays tactical ability has recently impressed fans while playing centre-back.
Archie Gray style of play showed his versatility last year, lining up in his natural position of midfield 19 times and 30 times at right back.
This Archie Gray scouting report will seek to provide an analysis of Gray’s potential to be used as a centre-back within Spurs tactics.
It will highlight the attributes that prove his capability to fulfil this role as well as areas he would need to improve if making it a permanent role.
Archie Gray Style Of Play In Possession
Gray, being naturally a midfielder, means he’s used to taking the ball in difficult areas of the pitch.
This contrasts with centre-backs, who will always be facing the opposition’s goal when in possession.
Yet, with Postecoglou’s system requiring a precise build-up through the thirds, Gray’s ability on the ball will be needed to overcome the high press that’s deployed by many Premier League sides.
Here, we see that Gray has received the ball in his own penalty box.
Despite being




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