Tottenham Hotspur are showing a real lack of consistency this season but there is still plenty that is impressing their manager.
Ange Postecoglou saw his side drop two points late on in the game on Thursday evening in the Europa League against AS Roma.
Mats Hummels shared his love for Tottenham on Wednesday and scored the equaliser against them the following night.
But the competition has provided Tottenham with an opportunity to rotate their starting XI and provide some of the younger players with an opportunity.
And there is one player at Hotspur Way who is really impressing the Australian manager despite only joining over the summer.
Ange Postecoglou left excited by Archie Gray at Tottenham
Archie Gray was back in action on Thursday night for Tottenham as he started – and played the full 90 minutes – in the left-back position.
Speaking on Friday morning after the game on Thursday, Postecoglou has admitted he’s been wowed by the 18-year-old so far this season.
“There’s a real maturity at only 18. We asked him to play left-back, he has never played that position in his life but does it with a real efficiency and calmness,” said the Australian.
“I am so excited by Archie and that’s another positive for us that we have another 18-year-old who just plays and no one mentions that he is 18, they just measure his performance and, like I said, I am asking him to do different jobs.
“It would probably be more comfortable for him if he was settled in one position but he is playing football at a really high level in Europe and the Premier League. That’s going to set us up really well for the player that he is going to become.”
The praise for Gray has to be appreciated after Thursday night saw Postecoglou vent his anger at Brennan Johnson from the sideline.
Archie Gray offered solidity against AS Roma
After joining in the summer, Gray has impressed in Tottenham training despite his minutes in the side being limited.
But the youngster has struggled to earn any minutes in his natural position as a central midfielder.
And that was the case on Thursday as Gray was handed the start from left-back to provide Destiny Udogie some relief.
The lack of minutes in the starting XI has seen Gray linked with a Spurs exit in January with a number of sides showing an interest in a loan possibility.
But the comments from Postecoglou on Friday would suggest he has Gray well within his long-term plans at Spurs.