Tottenham: Thomas Frank expects 'big future' for Archie Gray despite slow start to Spurs career

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Evening Standard

·3 ottobre 2025

Tottenham: Thomas Frank expects 'big future' for Archie Gray despite slow start to Spurs career

The 19-year-old played a bit-part role in his first season with the club, but Tottenham’s new head coach thinks he has limitless potential

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Thomas Frank believes Archie Gray has the attributes and potential to reach the level of Rodri and Declan Rice.

Gray joined Tottenham for £40million last summer, having been close to moving to Brentford to play under Frank. The Dane got his chance to work with the 19-year-old a year later after arriving at Spurs himself.

Gray’s first season in north London saw him moved around by Ange Postecoglou to cover for injuries, and he was frequently used in defence.

Frank, though, has made it clear he will use Gray in midfield and is confident that he has a “big future ahead” in a Spurs shirt, making a bold comparison to two of the best players in the world.

“I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight,” Frank said.

“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.”

Gray has started only twice under Frank, on the opening weekend of the season against Burnley and then in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster.

Archie Grey made his second start of the season in a routine Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers

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He has otherwise been limited to brief cameos off the bench, though he still played a key role in the equaliser against Bodo/Glimt in midweek.

Gray will return to Elland Road on Saturday to face Leeds for the first time since leaving the club to join Spurs.

Although he has not yet had a consistent run in his preferred midfield role, in contrast to fellow teenager Lucas Bergvall, Frank called for patience with Gray’s development.

Asked about his lofty price tag and whether people could view Gray’s move as a failure, Frank responded: “No, no and I also think when is it that we judge the players?

“I think we forget it is not FIFA, but it is human beings we’re dealing with, and there are 25 players in a squad and a crazy coach who has different thoughts.

“There are so many things and then personal life. So, when do we judge a player? I think it is probably fair two years down the line where we can really make a big assessment.

“I know I am also being judged from game to game, so I know how it works, but I think to judge it as a success or failure, I don’t think you can really do that before two years.

“That’s not to say you cannot be judged for your performances and if you haven’t done well, that’s fair.”