Antonio Conte has praised Djed Spence for his attitude and hard work in training, and backed the right-back to have a big future at Tottenham.
Spence’s signing was perhaps not as high profile as some of the other moves that Tottenham have made this summer, with the 21-year-old yet to have a taste of Premier League football.
For the moment, both Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty as seemingly in front of the former Middlesbrough man in Antonio Conte’s pecking order, with the youngster not even making the matchday squad against Chelsea and Wolves.
Conte previously explained that Spence was a player the Tottenham hierarchy had identified rather than someone he demanded (The Athletic), but the Spurs boss has now clarified that he believes the right-back possesses the potential to be an important player for the club.
The Italian explained that Spence needs time to adapt to a higher level and a new way of playing in the Premier League.
Conte told Football.London: “I was very clear at the start when I said this signing is a really good prospect, he’s a young player. This signing, the club wanted to invest in this player.
“The difference is clear. To play in the Championship with Nottingham Forest and then with Tottenham, he needs time to adapt himself in many aspects, in the physical aspect and the tactical aspect because now he is working with another coach.
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“I’m seeing a lot of desire, a lot of will, from this player to try to reduce this gap and to be ready. With a young player, it’s important to have patience, to work and then to improve. I’m sure Djed for the future will be an important player for Tottenham.”
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I am not concerned about Spence not being part of the matchday squad during the last few weeks. He is still very young and has a big future in front of him. In fact, I think there is a good chance that the 21-year-old will establish himself as Conte’s first choice at right wing-back before the end of this season.
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