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Premier League: What Archie Gray will bring to Tottenham?

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou splashed the cash in a big-money deal to bring teenager Archie Gray to north London, but what can Spurs fans expect from their signing?

Gray, 18, who featured in 52 matches in all competitions in midfield and at right-back for Leeds last season, has signed a deal with Spurs until 2030.

An England Under-21 international, Gray also qualifies for Scotland and is from good footballing pedigree, being the great-nephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray.

The youngster's Scottish heritage means he is very familiar with his new manager's work – as he describes himself as a massive Celtic fan and admits his family are fully subscribed Big Ange fans.

Spurs swoop to sting Bees

Gray looked very much to be headed for Brentford when they agreed personal terms last month but Spurs entered the fray and quickly had the youngster heading for north London as opposed to the west of the English capital.

Gray is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football.

His grandad Frank, great-uncle Eddie and dad Andy all played for Leeds.

Tottenham have got their target and they are 3.00 to finish in the top four in the 2024/25 Premier League season, while Spurs are 34.00 to become champions in Postecoglou's second season.

Gray joined Leeds aged eight, while his younger brother Harry (15) is currently part of the Elland Road youth set-up.

Experience under an inspirational coach

In his short career, Gray has already played for an inspirational manager during the tenure of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds.

While he was still studying at school as a 15-year-old, the Argentinian boss saw fit to involve him with the first team and he was on the bench come December 2021.

He didn't quite get his big break before Bielsa departed, but his replacement Jesse Marsch named him as a substitute for the final four crucial matches that season as Leeds narrowly avoided relegation.

It would be in the second tier, following Leeds' demise from the Premier League in 2022/23, that Gray propelled himself to prominence.

Championship chase stands Gray in good stead

Leeds ultimately came up short in their promotion chase last season but Gray graduated to become a key first-team player.

He forced his way into the right-back role after a couple months and then made it his own, starting 28 of the last 36 league games.

Composed on the ball, he is solid in defence and very willing to get forward. His standout efforts helped him to a place in the England U21 squad in March and he scored on his debut against Azerbaijan for the Three Lions.

Leeds lost the playoff final to Southampton at Wembley in May, with a shattered Gray being comforted by manager Daniel Farke afterwards. It was to be his last outing for the club.

New Spurs boy wants to be captain material

Even before he signed for Tottenham, Gray had spoken openly of a desire to be England captain in the future. Lofty ambitions for sure, but his raw talents certainly indicated they may not be beyond him.

Postecoglou has been willing to put his faith in young players, with Destiny Udogie a prime example. The Australian's preferred inverted full-back role should be something that excites Tottenham's new recruit.

In a Postecoglou team, he will see plenty of the ball and be tasked with getting forward at will, something his youthful energy looks sure to permit him to do.

Ange link the dream ticket

Tottenham are a club with big ambitions so Gray's decision to choose them over Brentford isn't a shocker. Still, he was more than willing to let it be known that his new manger was a major factor.

Those Scottish family links run deep and the youngster has been a keen studier of Ange-Ball since the manager took over at Celtic.

"I'm not going to lie to you, I'm a massive Celtic fan so I love him," he told an interview with his new club. "My whole family loves him.

"He's also a massive factor because playing under a really good manager is really important for me as well and I've still got loads to learn."

Gray will be hoping the new boss has place for him when Spurs go to Leicester in their Premier League opener on 20th August, a game they are 1.66 to win.

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