“Stick with him!””Ange Postecoglou has destroyed such a promising career
The pundit has watched his game and couldn’t help but stick up for one player. He’s directly urged the Spurs boss to not let him go in the summer

Carlton Cole Slams Ange Postecoglou’s Handling of Archie Gray Despite Youngster’s Impressive Rise
Former England striker Carlton Cole has voiced his frustration with Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou over how he’s been using young talent Archie Gray this season. Despite Gray earning a significant number of starts and playing a vital role in the team, Cole believes the manager is not doing right by the youngster — and may even be stifling his true potential.
When Archie Gray made the move from Leeds United to North London, he arrived with plenty of hype as one of the most promising young players in the English Football League. At just 18 years old, expectations were that he would need time to adjust to the Premier League, especially after only one season of senior football experience under his belt.
However, Gray has defied expectations by slotting into the Tottenham first team with maturity beyond his years. Even more impressively, he has been playing in an unfamiliar position — as a centre-back — during an injury crisis that has depleted Spurs’ defensive options. Rather than faltering under pressure, Gray has embraced the challenge and has shown composure, intelligence, and versatility, all of which have earned him praise from pundits and fans alike.
Some analysts have gone as far as to suggest that Gray could become a future icon at Tottenham if he continues on his current trajectory.

Carlton Cole Questions Postecoglou’s Decisions

Despite the teenager’s impressive performances, not everyone is thrilled with the role he’s been given. Carlton Cole, a former Premier League striker who previously coached Gray for the England Under-17s, has raised strong objections to Postecoglou’s decision to deploy him as a centre-back. Speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole didn’t hold back.
“Archie Gray — yeah. Why is he playing centre-half?” Cole questioned. “When I coached him for England Under-17s, he was a forward. He was leading the line. I’m watching the Premier League now, and I see him at centre-back. I’m thinking, what’s going on here? Why are you ripping the boy’s dreams?”
Cole believes that while Gray has the talent to adapt, consistently playing him out of position could derail his long-term development and potential. He warned that such flexibility, though useful in the short term, might rob Gray of the chance to master a role where he could truly shine.

Concerns About Versatility from Other Pundits

Cole’s criticism echoes similar concerns previously raised by former Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham, who argued that Gray’s versatility might become a double-edged sword. According to Sheringham, the ability to play in multiple roles may prevent the youngster from excelling in any one position, potentially hindering his growth into a world-class player.
Both Cole and Sheringham seem to be advocating for a more focused developmental approach, suggesting that Postecoglou should pick a primary position for Gray and allow him to grow into it.

Archie Gray Embracing the Challenge

While former players and pundits debate his best role, Gray himself has shown a mature and grounded attitude toward his positional shifts. After being named Young Player of the Year at the prestigious London Football Awards in February, the teenager addressed the ongoing discussion surrounding his position.
“I don’t really mind where I play,” Gray said. “I just want to be on the pitch, helping the team. Playing different positions makes me a better, more complete player.”
Coming through the ranks at Leeds, Gray has already experienced a variety of roles on the pitch — from midfield to full-back — and now centre-back. Rather than complaining, he has embraced the opportunity to learn, grow, and adapt at the highest level.

Final Thoughts

Ange Postecoglou’s willingness to trust young players like Gray is commendable and has been a hallmark of his tenure at Tottenham. But questions remain about whether the manager’s tactical flexibility might be at odds with long-term player development. While Gray’s performances so far have been nothing short of impressive, the debate over his ideal position continues to simmer — with some, like Carlton Cole, urging caution and others trusting in Postecoglou’s vision.
Only time will tell whether Gray’s versatility will prove to be his greatest asset or a missed opportunity to master one specific role. For now, though, the teenager seems content just being part of Tottenham’s exciting future.