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Former Tottenham midfielder Micky Hazard has suggested that Archie Gray’s howler against Nottingham Forest may not necessarily be a bad thing for the Lilywhites.
Gray has forced himself into Thomas Frank’s starting eleven since recovering from injury, and the youngster has been putting in some impressive performances in the middle of the park.
Frank has been very liberal with his praise for the Spurs teenager, but the former Leeds man had a setback during the club’s 3-0 defeat at the City Ground last weekend.
Gray took a touch from Guglielmo Vicario’s pass and saw the ball pinched off him in the lead-up to the home side’s first goal.
Micky Hazard claims Archie Gray’s mistake will benefit Tottenham
Frank defended Gray following his mistake, insisting that he liked the midfielder’s mentality of wanting the ball in that situation.
That opinion is shared by Hazard, who suggested that the youngster has to make these kinds of errors to get better and fulfil his potential at Spurs.
The 65-year-old told The Sun about Gray’s lapse against Forest: “People look at the negative side of him giving the goal away. Actually, it’s a positive for him, because for a young boy of 19 to be playing in the Premier League with experienced pros, and showing the confidence and belief in his own ability, going to the edge of his own box, I think that shows a confidence way beyond his years.
“I’m not sure when I was 19, I would show for the ball in areas where I wasn’t at risk to a goal. Yes, he lost the ball, and he learned from that. And the next time he gets in that situation, he’ll play the pass first time, because he’s a clever footballer.
“That’s part of a learning process. And sometimes the learning process is quite punishing. It can quite hurt you when you’re learning. And it takes a big mistake like that to maybe make the learning so much quicker. I like him. He’s going to be a very, very good player. One day he could be one of our leaders.”
Hazard urges Spurs fans to give Thomas Frank time
Based on the reaction on social media and at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it appears that Frank has already lost a big section of the Spurs fans.
In fact, many Tottenham supporters are unhappy that the club are being patient with Frank as they are convinced he is not the right fit.
However, Hazard suggested that the 52-year-old needs time as he is not just implementing a new tactical system but also attempting to change the club’s culture.
The former Tottenham midfielder said about Frank’s struggles: “You can’t expect the manager to come in and change things to perfection overnight. Unless the process is given time, then it won’t work.
“He’s not just coming in to implement his own style. He’s coming in to play to our traditions, our philosophies, our style, while also adding his things to what needs to change. And when the two eventually settle in together and combine, that’s when we’ll see the success.”
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