View: Ange must give 95% ace a start in Coventry v Tottenham, he can shut O'Hara up

Archie Gray could quieten down Jamie O’Hara’s recent claims if he features for Tottenham Hotspur against Coventry City.

O’Hara told talkSPORT [LeedsLive, 16 September] following defeat in the North London derby that Spurs had not brought in ready-made Premier League players in the summer, instead referring to “Championship players” when referring to Gray and others.

It’s clear, however, that the 18-year-old was certainly not recruited to be the club’s driving force behind returning to the Champions League this campaign, demonstrated by his two substitute appearances for a combined half-hour of Premier League football so far.

Gray signed a six-year contract in North London after a lucrative switch from boyhood club Leeds United, where he was integral last year. But this signing is one with a long-term vision and a patience.

Archie Gray should start for Tottenham at Coventry City

Tottenham’s heartache from Sunday’s derby defeat will be watered down with a quick turnaround to face Coventry City in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.

Ange Postecoglou will almost definitely shuffle his deck and is likely to hand Gray his first start in Lilywhite – although facing Championship opponents, the versatile teenager can show O’Hara how he tends to be outstanding against second-tier sides despite his tender years.

This is something he appears not to have noticed whilst Gray was performing out of his skin in a Leeds shirt throughout 2023-24, making 196 ball recoveries – winning possession 11 times in the opposition’s final third as a key transition player [Fotmob].

The 2006-born talent has areas to work on, of course, but where his strengths lie are in carrying the ball, beating opponents from deep, and showing a confidence on the ball which belies his age. Last season, FBRef shows Gray excelled compared to almost every other Championship midfielder as he averaged 1.88 progressive carries per game, and 1.14 successful take-ons.

Despite it being unclear where the long-term fit for Gray is set to be – he has shown qualities in both central midfield and at right-back – Postecoglou’s style of play can benefit the youngster, whose pass accuracy of 89% – a strong 95% rate inside his own half [Sofascore] – will assist Spurs in building quickly and with boldness from the back.

Gray’s assuredness in possession will be encouraged as he gradually earns more game time in the Premier League, with the defensive insurance policy of Micky van de Ven’s sweeping pace having proven crucial behind the midfield players if they are robbed in dangerous areas.

Should Gray start and perform against Coventry in midweek, O’Hara is likely to view his argument as strengthened given the Sky Blues’ league status – but the bigger picture must be realised here. Would he not have taken the chance to sign him at 18 for essentially £25m – a value almost certain to multiply?

To carry confidence, match sharpness and momentum into the Premier League will be vital for an England youth international with considerable pedigree for his age, and a fearlessness Tottenham need to capitalise on.

In other Tottenham news, a prediction is made on how much Destiny Udogie’s market value has risen.

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