Archie Gray will be watching Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville make an impact at Brighton and West Ham United and he will have certainly questioned his Tottenham future.
The 18-year-old was a fan favourite even before his debut for Leeds on the opening day last season, a 2-2 draw against Cardiff at Elland Road. He went on to surpass 50 appearances, playing a key role for Leeds.
But defeat in the play-off final to Southampton saw the curtain close on his time at Leeds. The 49ers had to make one big-name sale and Gray was the only player to have an offer on the table, so off he went.
It was nearly Brentford and it could have been Aston Villa, but it ended up being Tottenham for Gray. But a few months down the line, Gray will not have been happy with his lack of game time in North London.
Gray has started and finished all six cup games for Tottenham, in the Europa League and the Carabao Cup. But in the Premier League, he’s managed just five substitute appearances under Ange Postecoglou.
There have been suggestions that he could look to leave on loan in January and possibly, might even consider a return to Elland Road. But Give Me Sport have reported a decision made by Gray on January.
They say that Gray has chosen to stay and fight for his place, with Gray of the belief that staying put will increase his chances of game time. Indeed, Spurs will go into January confident Gray is willing to remain.
Would Archie Gray even start for Leeds at this current moment?
The addition of Jayden Bogle at right-back was only made largely because of Gray’s exit, and Connor Roberts return to Burnley. Had Gray remained, the chances are Leeds might not have brought in Bogle.
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Midfield, too. Leeds might not have felt the need to sign Ao Tanaka or Joe Rothwell with Gray still in situe. But, if he returned, would he start? It would be difficult to argue the case for dropping Tanaka or Rothwell.
But certainly on the right of defence, Gray is an improvement on Bogle. Leigh Bromby says Leeds fans and Daniel Farke are yet to see Bogle’s weakness, as Leeds so easily dominate games.
Bogle has two goals for Leeds this season and is excellent in the final third, but he is questionable when it comes to defending. Gray would still offer attacking impetus, but improve on Bogledefensively