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Player Watch: Djed Spence

Wheeler Dealer

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2011
7,683
14,434
I struggle to understand why previous managers and to some degree Ange questioned his ability, as he has been a revelation so far
 

purplemonkey

Well-Known Member
Jan 20, 2006
354
1,968
Playing really well. Hope Tuchel is watching.
If his reputation is anything to go by, I suspect an England call up is probably one of the worst things that could happen at the moment. He needs to keep his feet on the ground and focus on nailing a first team spot for his club first.
 

jordibwoy

Well-Known Member
Jul 31, 2015
531
2,101
I struggle to understand why previous managers and to some degree Ange questioned his ability, as he has been a revelation so far
I really don't. This is recency bias, but that's not to say he doesn't and hasn't always had ability. I think that's been clear to see when he was at Forest, and I was a big fan then. But seeing him plenty since then, he certainly was far from perfect or reliable on the pitch, especially defensively. Then there's the constant talk of 'attitude' (which from most of the quotes from caches regarding 'professionalism' more accurately than a bad attitude), it's clear his biggest issue wasn't coaches not recognizing his qualities.

I think all the constructive criticisms he's received and Ange's management style is exactly what has helped him to kick on. It was necessary and now that he's knuckled down he has been given the opportunity to show the qualities that everyone knows he's always had. He's still not perfect defensively (yes left-back isn't his natural position but he's also played there plenty in the last few years) but he's come on leaps and bounds even since preseason and that's credit to him and the coaches.
 

JUSTINSIGNAL

Well-Known Member
Jul 10, 2008
17,110
54,270
I struggle to understand why previous managers and to some degree Ange questioned his ability, as he has been a revelation so far

Ange alluded to him not showing the right attitude in training when not being picked. I don't think it is anything to do with ability.
 

Yid-ol

Just-outside Edinburgh
Jan 16, 2006
32,269
21,050
I struggle to understand why previous managers and to some degree Ange questioned his ability, as he has been a revelation so far

I don't think it's ever been a question over his ability rather than his attitude and mindset.

Even when we signed him, there were talks of possibility issues with it, which I guess never got better until recently.
 

newbie

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2004
6,778
7,569
I thought he had a v difficult time at left back vs Newcastle and actually looked better once he went inside to CB. But last night he was absolutely immaculate. His composure alone was seriously impressive. The fact that he can play on both sides makes him so valuable.

really I thought he looked decent against Newcastle
I struggle to understand why previous managers and to some degree Ange questioned his ability, as he has been a revelation so far

I think his grown up a lot and deserves a hell of a lot of credit
 

muppetman

Well-Known Member
Jul 29, 2011
11,986
33,993
im pretty sure he had a shot but he was quite
I think it was him that swung in a cross that Kinsky "saved" dropped it so he didn't carry it over the line and then got it back - which may be a shot or a cross?

Either way, Djed did really well to keep him pretty quiet I thought.
 

Thenewcat

Well-Known Member
Aug 8, 2019
3,866
13,215
i think atm his our best full back on form

Destiny has been off form and spence looks a lot more sold and better on the ball, he links up really well with grey they look very calm together and have a good understanding.

Spence puts in a lot of blocks and looks a lot harder to beat one one-on-one, his height and jump are also a benefit
Who knows what Spence would look like if he had played as much as udogie though - ultimately having 3 full backs Ange can trust is huge for us (and 4 would be even better). Spence isn’t perfect either - there is no way he should have met Murphy get the cross in for the winner on Saturday for instance and udogie would have got pelters if he had done the same. I’m just delighted to see another high quality option in the squad
 

newbie

Well-Known Member
Jul 16, 2004
6,778
7,569
Who knows what Spence would look like if he had played as much as udogie though - ultimately having 3 full backs Ange can trust is huge for us (and 4 would be even better). Spence isn’t perfect either - there is no way he should have met Murphy get the cross in for the winner on Saturday for instance and udogie would have got pelters if he had done the same. I’m just delighted to see another high quality option in the squad
Tbh I didn’t see Spences role second goal (it was the one Kulu lost the ball doing the trick on the throw in)?
 

Dazzazzad

Well-Known Member
Jan 17, 2006
1,613
6,055
I think there's a lot more to come from him offensively too. Currently he bursts forward but then hands the keys to Son or Werner.

I actually think he'd be more of a problem for the opposition if he ran at them himself.
 

adamsky

Well-Known Member
Dec 8, 2006
1,819
4,776
He is a really great athlete. With our style of play and especially without VdV, it has been invaluable to have another player with good recovery pace. I actually think he will suit the RB position long term over Porro because of it.

We ask an awful lot of our fullbacks. At the very least he needs to be in rotation, like how Poch swapped Rose & Walker with Davies and Trippier on a regular basis.
 
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Thenewcat

Well-Known Member
Aug 8, 2019
3,866
13,215
Tbh I didn’t see Spences role second goal (it was the one Kulu lost the ball doing the trick on the throw in)?
It was 10 yards in front of me. He was just on his heels and let Murphy shift it from a standing start and beat him way too easily
 

gavspur

Well-Known Member
Jun 24, 2004
5,619
9,817
It’s a shame, but also a testament to him, that he’s playing in the left. Ideally, we need to target a left footed version of him, then we’d have a perfect set of 4 full backs. Although Porro should’ve buried that chance yesterday.
 

Adam456

Well-Known Member
Jul 1, 2005
4,590
3,454
If he keeps up this form for the rest of the season, ideally getting some minutes in his best position but considering his versatility then he should be getting into England squads

Not saying he will be but that he should be
 

gibbospurs

SC Supporter
Aug 28, 2010
5,254
7,273
Love this 😂
 

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