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Player Watch: Djed Spence

HildoSpur

Likes Erik Lamela, deal with it.
Oct 1, 2005
11,198
37,069
It’s frankly looking more and more bizarre that Conte didn’t even give him a chance at RWB in place of Emerson. Guy looks like he could have smashed it in that role.
I'd say it was because at that time Spence looked like a total calamity in defence and Conte wouldn't have tolerated that.
 

Albertbarich

Well-Known Member
Jul 4, 2020
7,301
28,168
I rarely want info but I’d love to know what the issue is with DJed.

He was absolutely superb last night. I mean maybe the best player on the pitch. On that display I’d have him over both of our fullbacks so the fact he is only getting a chance out of an injury crisis is so bizarre. He is so so talented and he can’t be all bad as we gave him a new deal.
 

Tarricko

Well-Known Member
Jan 17, 2022
639
1,845
I was there last night... He was easily one of our best players. He has great tenacity and physical attributes. Loves a tackle and is very determined in a one on one. Surprisingly good on the ball too.
 

cliff jones

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
4,885
8,881
He could actually save us a fortune in next few years. He has performed great in last few games and really taken his chance. He can be a great back up option for RB and LB. If we sign up Davies for another year then we do have 4 fullbacks,.plus Gray, which is better position than we have done for ages.
Sure Davies isn't perfect at lb for Ange but means we can spend elsewhere in next 3 windows or potentially do another Udogie type of signing where we sign someone relatively cheap and leave him on loan for next season.
Helps to give us options
We need another LB!

Perhaps we wouldn't if not qualified for Europe, but if we're in four comps Davies can't back up both LCB and LB
 

Krafty

Well-Known Member
May 26, 2004
4,922
2,413
Good test against Salah coming up - might be a very good match up. Up the Djed!
 

Ghost Hardware

Well-Known Member
Aug 31, 2012
21,773
86,521
It’s frankly looking more and more bizarre that Conte didn’t even give him a chance at RWB in place of Emerson. Guy looks like he could have smashed it in that role.
I'm not sure. I think his time at Rennes exposed a lot of his tactical and positional weaknesses, especially defensively. His focus would often dip and at times switch off completely. Whilst I think Conte was somewhat influenced in his decision not to use him due to Spence being a club signing, I also think there was understandable footballing reasons not to play him as well.

As I've said before I think we shouldn't overlook how impactful his time playing in Serie A for Genoa was on his development as a defender. The game in Italy is quite different to the PL and they are very tactically astute especially defensively. There isn't the same amount of space afford in comparison to the Bundesliga or Ligue 1 for example. It was very evident for those that watched him there that he matured a lot. His positional discipline greatly improved as did his work rate. He didn't come back the finished product by any means but it clearly set him down the right path.

He also looks far more focused now then he ever did in the past. I can't help but feel maybe being sent out on loan and sidelined made him realise that he needed to up his level, both physically and mentally, in order to achieve what he wants.
 

SpursSteveLincs

Well-Known Member
May 21, 2012
143
402
I'm not sure. I think his time at Rennes exposed a lot of his tactical and positional weaknesses, especially defensively. His focus would often dip and at times switch off completely. Whilst I think Conte was somewhat influenced in his decision not to use him due to Spence being a club signing, I also think there was understandable footballing reasons not to play him as well.

As I've said before I think we shouldn't overlook how impactful his time playing in Serie A for Genoa was on his development as a defender. The game in Italy is quite different to the PL and they are very tactically astute especially defensively. There isn't the same amount of space afford in comparison to the Bundesliga or Ligue 1 for example. It was very evident for those that watched him there that he matured a lot. His positional discipline greatly improved as did his work rate. He didn't come back the finished product by any means but it clearly set him down the right path.

He also looks far more focused now then he ever did in the past. I can't help but feel maybe being sent out on loan and sidelined made him realise that he needed to up his level, both physically and mentally, in order to achieve what he wants.
Lets face it he wouldn't be the first defender to benefit from time in Italy, they know a thing or two about it.
 

fishhhandaricecake

Well-Known Member
Nov 15, 2018
23,393
58,927
I'm not sure. I think his time at Rennes exposed a lot of his tactical and positional weaknesses, especially defensively. His focus would often dip and at times switch off completely. Whilst I think Conte was somewhat influenced in his decision not to use him due to Spence being a club signing, I also think there was understandable footballing reasons not to play him as well.

As I've said before I think we shouldn't overlook how impactful his time playing in Serie A for Genoa was on his development as a defender. The game in Italy is quite different to the PL and they are very tactically astute especially defensively. There isn't the same amount of space afford in comparison to the Bundesliga or Ligue 1 for example. It was very evident for those that watched him there that he matured a lot. His positional discipline greatly improved as did his work rate. He didn't come back the finished product by any means but it clearly set him down the right path.

He also looks far more focused now then he ever did in the past. I can't help but feel maybe being sent out on loan and sidelined made him realise that he needed to up his level, both physically and mentally, in order to achieve what he wants.
Agreed , I think he has really ‘grown up’ as they say.

Hence probably why Ange is now picking him.
 

JUSTINSIGNAL

Well-Known Member
Jul 10, 2008
17,145
54,384
He’s obviously a great player. Desperately needed with the fitness/fatigue issues our fullbacks have. If Spence were to have played the amount of minutes Udogie and Porro have this season, I think he’d be struggling similar to those two. For me it’s more about freshness than ability, but it’s not like his ability was an unknown. He’s always been an athletic duel monster who can play in tight spaces. Confusing as to why he’s been used as sparingly as he has, but I’m glad he’s finally playing now.

I don't think it is that confusing. He clearly wasn't pull up trees in training. And by that I don't mean being a lazy trainer - more not showing the right tactical understanding and physical application. It's credit to him that he has now improved to a level where he is able to come in and make a positive impact.
 

robotsonic

Well-Known Member
Aug 20, 2013
3,342
14,957
Definitely sounds like he is firmly in Ange's thinking now if he's willing to talk effusively in that way. Ball in Djed's court now to keep the levels up where they are and cause some selection headaches.
 

danielneeds

Kick-Ass
May 5, 2004
24,408
50,011
I rarely want info but I’d love to know what the issue is with DJed.

He was absolutely superb last night. I mean maybe the best player on the pitch. On that display I’d have him over both of our fullbacks so the fact he is only getting a chance out of an injury crisis is so bizarre. He is so so talented and he can’t be all bad as we gave him a new deal.
I think certain people have that casual, laid back personality that football managers don’t like. He probably acts the clown and winds them up in training.
I'm not sure. I think his time at Rennes exposed a lot of his tactical and positional weaknesses, especially defensively. His focus would often dip and at times switch off completely. Whilst I think Conte was somewhat influenced in his decision not to use him due to Spence being a club signing, I also think there was understandable footballing reasons not to play him as well.

As I've said before I think we shouldn't overlook how impactful his time playing in Serie A for Genoa was on his development as a defender. The game in Italy is quite different to the PL and they are very tactically astute especially defensively. There isn't the same amount of space afford in comparison to the Bundesliga or Ligue 1 for example. It was very evident for those that watched him there that he matured a lot. His positional discipline greatly improved as did his work rate. He didn't come back the finished product by any means but it clearly set him down the right path.

He also looks far more focused now then he ever did in the past. I can't help but feel maybe being sent out on loan and sidelined made him realise that he needed to up his level, both physically and mentally, in order to achieve what he wants.
Counter point: He can pass a football effectively in the final third. Game, set, match over Emerson.
 

sparx100

Well-Known Member
Jan 8, 2007
5,265
7,980
Genuinely prefer him as right back over Porro. Defensively he is better and I think he holds his own offensively. He is better than Udogie defensively and offensively.

Ange needs to recognise his contribution to the team and how his pace actually supports his high line.
 

McFlash

Without doubt the dumbest & most clueless member.
Oct 19, 2005
15,518
59,426
but I can see that to some, a manger becomes some kind of father figure or hero
Jesus Christ, I'm 49 years old, do you really think I see Ange as a father figure or hero?
I mean, I like the bloke and I like the way he talks and thinks about the game but this sort of condescending hyperbole is just silly.
You also used the term "cult", it's almost like you're fishing now.
 

danielneeds

Kick-Ass
May 5, 2004
24,408
50,011
Genuinely prefer him as right back over Porro. Defensively he is better and I think he holds his own offensively. He is better than Udogie defensively and offensively.

Ange needs to recognise his contribution to the team and how his pace actually supports his high line.
Porro still has things he can tighten up defensively. But sometimes it’s what he’s been asked to do and the system that leaves him overloaded. He’s also been involved in more chances created than any other defender other than Trent in the last 12 months. He needs a rest but is a class player.
 
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