The 25-year-old winger scored an astounding injury-time winner to capture all three points for Everton against Arsenal on Monday night.
Everton paid a paltry sum of £1.7m to sign him from Bayer Leverkusen and he has been one of the few players who have actually impressed this season.
Osman stressed that the winger has been brilliant for Everton this term despite the team’s struggles and has taken up the responsibility of creating and scoring goals in a team who have looked bereft of creativity in the ongoing campaign.
The former Toffee said on Premier League TV post match: “He has been outstanding for Everton this season.
“He really has taken the fight and taken the responsibility to create something from Everton when they have lacked in certain situations.
“He will be delighted with his return.”
Gray has a Premier League winners’ medal from his time at Leicester but Osman stressed that he is really enjoying the responsibility of being the creative hub in the Everton side.
He feels the player has really stood up for Everton in a season where the team have been finding it hard to land on their feet.
“As much as he has a Premier League winners’ medal, he was on the periphery. He was part of it without any significant part.
“But he is a huge part of Everton at the minute and you appreciate things more when the weight of responsibility is on your shoulders and you have taken the ball and tried to make things happen.
“He stood up tonight, he stood up for Everton all season long so far and really delivered tonight in a very crucial game.”
Gray has scored five times and has started 14 of Everton’s 15 Premier League games this season.
