Thomas Frank must start Archie Gray over Djed Spence at Tottenham, numbers show why
Thomas Frank’s arrival has meant that Archie Gray has struggled to earn consistent minutes at Tottenham.
Gray is someone who impressed during Spurs training while Ange Postecoglou was head coach.
The versatile youngster has since played two games in the Premier League under Frank, having started just once. Playing 72 out of a possible 720 minutes in the league is a record most players would not like to have.
While the Lilywhites have a talented squad, Frank will have to make room for a player of his potential.
Archie Gray stuns against Monaco
Gray started at left-back in Tottenham’s draw to Monaco in the UEFA Champions League on 22 October.
Along with Guglielmo Vicario, whose heroic efforts earned Spurs a point, Gray was the best Tottenham player on the pitch.
He won 100 per cent of his tackles and made two interceptions, according to Sofascore.
- Gray made four clearances and blocked one shot
- He also made four recoveries and won two ground duels
- He was not dribbled past once
To put this into perspective, Monaco dominated possession against the Lilywhites, registering 2.45 in expected goals.
Meanwhile, the French side created five big chances and attempted 23 shots, eight of which were on target. Tottenham, on the other hand, had 11 shots, two of which were on target.
Gray’s defensive stats are impressive, but to put on such a complete defensive performance playing in an unnatural position on a side dominated by the opposition? Well, one might as well have his display in the Louvre.
How does Archie Gray compare to Djed Spence in the competition?
Djed Spence has established himself at Tottenham after a difficult start to his career in North London.
Before the game in France, the England international had started both of Spurs’ previous Champions League fixtures.
In 162 minutes played, he has made 0.7 interceptions and tackles per game, as well as 1.3 ball recoveries. He has also completed 50 per cent of his dribbles, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering he has a couple of tricks up his sleeve.
Furthermore, Spence has won 64 per cent of his duels and 100 per cent of his aerial duels. He has lost possession 9.7 times per game.
Meanwhile, in 98 minutes played, Gray has made one interception and 0.5 tackles per game, as well as two ball recoveries. He hasn’t attempted any dribbles, has won 33 per cent of his duels and has lost possession five times per game.
If accounting for the fact that Spence is more comfortable going forward, and thus his duels are both attacking and defensive actions, the two are quite similar.
The verdict?
Spence is no doubt the more complete fullback, but the fact that Gray, a natural midfielder, is level and even surpasses his defensive statistics says it all.
With Destiny Udogie still out for the Lilywhites, Frank has the perfect opportunity to test Gray at left-back once again in Spurs’ upcoming Premier League game against Everton.
While he has not yet done enough to start consistently over Spence, his performance in the Champions League should at least convince Frank to play him more regularly.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @tottenhamnews247