Tottenham Hotspur have secured two wins out of two in pre-season so far as they continue to enjoy life under Roberto De Zerbi.
They followed up on their 1-0 win against MK Dons with a 2-0 success against Auckland FC despite naming a much-changed starting XI filled with young players.
Archie Gray started the second game and captained Tottenham for the first time as he showed his class with an assured display as a deeper midfielder.
And De Zerbi feels the young Englishman’s maturity belies his age as he also singled out his versatility for special praise.
De Zerbi in awe of Archie Gray after recent Tottenham display
Gray was also spotted mentoring young players like Jamie Donley and Luca Williams-Barnett, which proved that De Zerbi’s decision to hand him the captain’s armband wasn’t just a ceremonial gesture.
“It’s lucky for me when you have these types of players who are able to play in different positions,” said De Zerbi via Football London.
“Okay, it’s important for him to fix one position, one favourite position but at the end, he has to be open to cover different positions on the pitch. He can play as a right back, as a left back, as a midfielder.”
“Nothing changes for a smart player. A smart player, I think, is improving in the knowledge on the pitch, because changing position, you change body shape, you change direction when you receive the ball and when you give the ball.”
“But he’s an important player for me, even if he can play in different positions.”
Tottenham have signed Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, while the likes of Conor Gallagher, Pape Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur remain at the club for the deeper midfield roles.
Gray will face immense competition for a starting spot, but his versatility and intelligence allow him to cover multiple positions. And judging by De Zerbi’s comments, he is certainly a part of his long-term planning at N17.
