'We're working to put things right' - Archie Gray
Thu 23 January 2025, 09:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Archie Gray is enjoying the challenges being thrown his way as he tackles his first season in top-flight football.
In just his second full campaign in professional football, and his first in both the Premier League and on the European stage, it has been quite the learning experience for the 18-year-old so far.
While he is a midfielder by trade, last term, he regularly operated - and excelled - at right back for Leeds United so, when a number of injuries hit our backline, Ange Postecoglou turned to Archie and his versatility to help us - and the humble young man from Durham has delivered.
Asked to deputise in a number of positions across our defence, the England Under-21 international has eagerly taken on every challenge that has been thrown his way and produced a number of standout displays along the way.
Yet he is self-critical, he is always reviewing his performances and is eager to deliver even more and so, despite the difficult circumstances which have seen him deputise at centre, he is enjoying the challenge of it all, knowing he is growing and learning with every minute that comes his way.
I think it has been a good experience for me and one I will definitely learn from.
"I've enjoyed a different challenge," he began. "There's been a few games which I need to learn from where I've not been too good in but I'll learn from them and take it forward.
"I think it has been a good experience for me and one I will definitely learn from. I've enjoyed playing a different position and I'm grateful for it.
"Obviously, I'm learning a lot. Football is always ups and downs, no matter what league you're in, no matter what level and its been the same this year. We had a strong start to the season and the middle bit we've struggled a little bit but we're working hard in training to put it right, and that's the ultimate thing in football. You just have to focus on the next action, the next game and try and put things right."
"You have to stick together in situations like these. We trust the manager and the coaching staff and, as players, we trust each other too, and that's the main thing. We just have to stick by our principles and keep playing the way that we're playing, keep working hard on the training pitch and the results will come.
