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Archie Gray

I think playing several positions can be useful for a younger player, as long as they have the necessary versatility. Gray certainly has that.

Playing well wherever he's played. Fitting into the style of play. EL may not really be a massive step up from the Championship all the time at least, but he's getting games, playing well, getting integrated and showing quality.

Is he's needed in midfield at some point this season these experiences will have helped him imo. As things are with Bergvall, Sarr and Bissouma "rotating" with Maddison, Kulusevski and Bentancur we wouldn't have room to start all of them in midfield in the EL anyway.
That great, but we have a young talent in Philips who is also CB, who also needs game time, not out on loan to some lower league, but actual experience in the Prem and could have had some time playing with the squad like Gray, Moore, and Bergvall etc.

We need an extra player as CB, we have one, not getting a chance, every time I have seen him play, he hasn't done much wrong, if any for us.

I am all for giving players a chance, but not at the expense of other youngsters who are more suited to some roles than Gray..
 
Once fit (was on the bench last game) a full season out on loan playing games will be better for Phillips than playing a handful of games.

We also have Dorrington who can cover at CB when needed and continue to get his fitness back.
 
Once fit (was on the bench last game) a full season out on loan playing games will be better for Phillips than playing a handful of games.

We also have Dorrington who can cover at CB when needed and continue to get his fitness back.

You're probably right.

This season, Davies hasn't played a single minute in the PL but has played all 3 of the EFL Cup / EL games. That's the only playing time that may have been available to Phillips.
 
That great, but we have a young talent in Philips who is also CB, who also needs game time, not out on loan to some lower league, but actual experience in the Prem and could have had some time playing with the squad like Gray, Moore, and Bergvall etc.

We need an extra player as CB, we have one, not getting a chance, every time I have seen him play, he hasn't done much wrong, if any for us.

I am all for giving players a chance, but not at the expense of other youngsters who are more suited to some roles than Gray..
Phillips would have gotten exactly zero minutes of PL football so far had he not gone out on loan. Imo loaning him out was a good decision. He seems like a good talent, but not sure he's at the level of those other youngsters you mentioned, yet at least.

We have Phillips, Dorrington and Vuskovic coming through as youngsters. Romero, VdV, Dragusin and Davies. As well as Gray who is able to do a job in the EL at least. It's not really much of an issue.
 
Just a quick note that I saw Archie Gray playing for the U21s a few nights ago.
I think he was in the 8 role but he really didn't do much.
James McAtee absolutely ran the game, he was everywhere, and Gray always seemed to be either slightly in the way or slightly not helping or just making a short pass, it was a bit frustrating to watch.
He wasn't officially "bad" it just didn't click and he wasn't really doing a great deal, whereas I feel he could be an all-action player eventually with loads of touches and interactions through the middle of the pitch.
That is the second time I've watched him for the U21s and he hasn't shone.
He is still young though of course.
And I do have great faith he will come good eventually.
I was impressed once again with McAtee, really elite performance from him.
 
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