Alasdair Gold has predicted that Djed Spence will end up getting quite a lot of game time at right wing-back during the upcoming season.
Spence was Tottenham’s sixth signing of the summer transfer window, with the Lilywhites agreeing on a fee of £12.5m with Middlesbrough, which could rise to £20m including add-ons (Sky Sports).
Spurs fans got their first glimpse of the England Under-21 international last Saturday when he was handed a 20-minute cameo off the bench against Rangers after replacing Harry Kane.
Antonio Conte admitted soon after the 21-year-old’s arrival at Spurs that it was the club that recommended the right-back’s signing before he gave a green light to the deal (The Athletic).
Conte’s comments have raised some eyebrows, with former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson insisting they were a ‘slap in the face’ for the youngster (Daily Star).
However, Gold dismissed those concerns and suggested that Spence’s attributes make him a perfect fit for Conte’s system.
When asked about the right-back, the journalist said on Q&A in Football.London: “I think he’s going to end up playing quite a lot. He fits Conte’s wing-back mould perfectly. Now he just needs the experience and the Italian’s tutelage.”
Spurs Web Opinion
I think Spence can potentially surprise a lot of people during the upcoming season. The 21-year-old excels at take-ons and is capable of beating players on the inside as well as on the outside, which will be a huge asset in Conte’s system where the wing-backs are often isolated with the opposing full-backs in one vs one situations.
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