Tottenham told one player they can’t lose as Roberto De Zerbi lays down the law

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has been told to find a way to get ‘real talent’ Archie Gray into his best XI for next season.

The 20-year-old impressed while captaining a young Spurs side for the first hour of their 2-0 pre-season friendly win over Auckland.

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Gray was one of the few players at the club last year to come out with any credit, having won the fan-voted player of the season award.

The former Leeds United graduate was later told by celebrity Spurs fan Michael McIntyre on talkSPORT that he is the future of the club.

In fact, the comedian even joked to Gray’s face that only he and English compatriot James Maddison could stay at the Lilywhites.

The England Under-21 international has also been previously tipped as a future Tottenham captain.

However, Gray was told he is ruining his career in north London as a result of being continually played out of position in a club that only just survived an unprecedented relegation from the Premier League with a win on the final day in May.

Gray played 53 per cent of his minutes during his first season at Spurs as a centre-back and 21 per cent as a right-back in all competitions.

Despite his individual form last campaign, he was an unused substitute under De Zerbi for four of Tottenham’s last five Premier League games, and was handed only an eight-minute cameo in the fifth.

‘Gray was the best player until De Zerbi came’

Speaking on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast with Katie Shanahan, Tony Cascarino said: “I hope they don’t lose Archie Gray.”

Shanahan replied: “I love Archie Gray, especially because he’s also had to move all over the pitch, from centre-back to right, left, and then into the midfield, bearing in mind where he came from Leeds.”

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‘Still a real player in there’

Cascarino continued: “He was the best player until De Zerbi came because then he left him out immediately.

“And the reasons why were that he hadn’t found a fixed position for himself.

“Like as a midfielder, a full-back, a centre-half, you know, he was doing all these roles, selfless in many ways, but he’d not had a fixed position.

“I didn’t think De Zerbi liked that, but hopefully he can find a way because I think he’s a real talent.

“[Lucas] Bergvall could leave the football club, maybe, but I don’t think Spurs should lose for me, Archie Gray. I think is still a real player in there.”

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De Zerbi largely relied on experience in midfield to get Tottenham out of their relegation woes last term, with Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Asked to address fan concerns over his attitude towards young players, the Italian head coach said: “I’m used to working with young players.

“I gave in my career big time and space for young players, but they have to show me they are able to play and they are good players.

“I never start from the age of the players. From the qualities? Yes. From the attitude and behaviours? Yes. But not for the age.”

One young player who De Zerbi may not get many more chances to work with is Bergvall, who has informed the club of his desire to find a new club.

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The Sweden midfielder has been told by Spurs that he is not for sale, with Newcastle tabling a £46million offer that was swiftly rejected.

“Listen, I was very clear at the start of my time in Tottenham. I said ‘Who doesn’t want to stay in Tottenham, who is not happy, is not proud to stay here, has to leave,’” De Zerbi told reporters.

“I want proud players who are happy to stay here and to go on the pitch at Tottenham Stadium with a big motivation.

“If you think also in the World Cup, the motivation makes the difference. The motivation is to be happy to stay in one team.”

Lucas Bergvall future

Asked specifically about Bergvall’s future, the ex-Brighton boss added: “I have not spoken with Lucas yet; I will in the next days.

“We will make the best decision for the club, for Lucas, for me, for every one of us. Without problems, Lucas is a big, big talent.

“There will be a big competition to play because at the end I think we will have two players for each position.

“If he wants to stay, I will be happy. Otherwise, we have to find a new solution with Johan Lange, with Vinai (Venkatesham). It’s not my business after the decision to leave (if that happens).”