Igor Tudor hailed the performance of Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray during his side’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid.
Gray has been a shining light in an otherwise torrid campaign for Spurs this season, with the 20-year-old showing maturity in his performances despite difficult circumstances.
The midfielder was excellent again as Spurs valiantly bowed out of the Champions League, beating Atletico Madrid on the night but exiting Europe on aggregate.
He set up the second goal with some great work in the build-up and received a huge ovation upon his substitution. Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente went across to congratulate Gray on his display.
Asked about Gray at his post-match press conference, Tudor said he believes the youngster’s best role is at the centre of his team.
“He’s a guy, you know the positions he plays everywhere, so probably this position in the middle is, I believe, the best one for him, but he’s playing continually in the right way, in a good way.
“It’s a mix of quality, physically and mentally, to always make the right choices and be humble and have legs to do so. He needs to continue this, he’s still young, so every day he needs a new confirmation.
“Together with Pape, I see them very well, there’s a quality between these two players. The last two games, they really made a difference. But also, I think Xavi was very good, happy for him, showed the talent, it was not easy to play there in the middle, where it’s always difficult, in the front, Mathys also, did good things.
“Kolo as well, behind, so it was a sensation that even we can make it, when it was a foul on Xavi, the referee didn’t give us the foul, that little bit changed the game, but as I said before, we take a good direction as a team and we need to continue.”
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