Archie Gray set for more disappointment as Rodrigo Bentancur returns to Tottenham training
Archie Gray is one of Tottenham Hotspur's most promising players, but Roberto De Zerbi could hand him a frustrating end to the season.
Whether it's been in his natural midfield position, at centre-back, or even at full-back, the 20-year-old has just been happy to be on the pitch regularly, albeit under multiple different managers.
He continues to be one of Tottenham's most consistent performers, but with Spurs now two points from safety in the Premier League relegation battle, that counts for very little.
Roberto De Zerbi has been given the impossible task of keeping the club in the division, but after the latest injury news, he might have been handed a timely boost ahead of Tottenham's clash with Brighton.
Archie Gray lacks one key aspect that Tottenham need right now
Although Gray is clearly a talented prospect, he does lack one thing that De Zerbi is desperate for right now, and that is experience - experience at the very top level.
Bentancur has been sidelined since January, but across spells with Juventus and Spurs, the 28-year-old has the potential to lead the Lilywhites to safety in the final six games of the campaign.
The defensive midfielder has more than just one incentive, and if proving a new contract in North London was the right decision isn't enough, building up his fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup certainly will be.
| Archie Gray at Tottenham | 2025-26 stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 1438 |
| Goals | Assists | 2 | 2 |
| Passing accuracy | 83.2% |
| Chances created | 8 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.06 |
| Recoveries per 90 | 3.57 |
Uruguay are set to face Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Spain in the group stage, and with 73 senior caps to his name, there is every chance that he starts for his national team during the summer.
What does Rodrigo Bentancur's future hold at Tottenham?
Bentancur has often been linked with a move away from Spurs, most notably with a return to Italy on the cards after moving to the Premier League from Juventus in 2022.
All rumours of a potential switch went quiet recently, however, with Bentancur putting pen to paper on a new deal. It is unknown exactly how much longer he'll be at the club, though.
The majority of supporters would likely rather see Gray in the centre of midfield, but given the club's current situation, it would be a surprise to see De Zerbi go with a more experienced figure.
That is not to say that the youngster won't be played out of position, like he has been previously in the campaign, but either way, he is unlikely to be in his preferred spot for the final few games of the season.