Frank, who took charge at Spurs after Ange Postecoglou’s exit, revealed that he had tried to sign Gray during his time at Brentford, only to lose out at the final hurdle. Now, fate has given him another chance to coach the highly-rated youngster. And ahead of his emotional reunion at Elland Road this Saturday, Frank has dropped a bombshell comparison, claiming Gray possesses the same ceiling as world-class midfielders Rodri and Rice.
Frank could hardly contain his admiration for the teenager’s talent and said, “I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. 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’s Spurs career has been one of patience and persistence. Despite his hefty price tag, the youngster has started only two games under Frank: on the opening day against Burnley and later in the Carabao Cup win over Doncaster. Hisminutes have mostly come from the bench,though he made a crucial contribution in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Bodo/Glimt, where hisindividual brillianceled to the equaliser on his Champions League debut.
“When is it that we judge the players?” Frank asked. “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.”
Gray’s rise is hardly a coincidence; it’s in his blood. His father, Andy Gray, made over 50 Premier League appearances for Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland. His grandfather, Frank Gray, lifted both the First Division title with Leeds and the European Cup with Nottingham Forest. As if that weren’t enough, Archie is the great-nephew of Leeds legend Eddie Gray, and his 16-year-old brother has already broken into the Leeds first team. Few families boast that kind of footballing DNA.
“I definitely don’t treat them any different, I just see them as an individual that I try to help in the best possible way,” Frank said. “You can say that sometimes there is something they maybe have got a little bit more in with the blood, which I think Archie has got, he seems to understand that he needs to work hard. The foundation, if you want to achieve anything, you need to do that. I think his understanding of the game is good as well. So those two bits and the discipline, I think are key areas if you want to achieve anything. So maybe that is from the blood of the family.”
The north London’s trip to Elland Road comes with the side having lost seven straight matches before international breaks, leaving supporters stewing for two long weeks each time. Gray, though, is keen to make sure this time is different. For the young midfielder, Saturday isn’t just another league fixture; it’s a return to his roots, a reunion with the club that raised him, and a chance to prove that Tottenham‘s £40m gamble was money well spent.
