Statistics reveal that Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence is the best defender in one metric, ranking top five among midfielders and forwards.
Djed Spence has quietly emerged as one of Tottenham Hotspur’s standout performers this season, catching the eye with his impressive displays at full-back.
His resurgence has not gone unnoticed, as manager Ange Postecoglou has praised the 24-year-old’s resilience and work ethic. In fact, Postecoglou admitted he made it harder for Spence on purpose to see whether he could force his way into Tottenham’s plans after initially struggling for opportunities.
Meanwhile, teammate Dejan Kulusevski has lauded Spence’s physical attributes and relentless drive, stating that he could have a “very good career” if he maintains his current trajectory.
Djed Spence among the best dribblers in the Premier League
Indeed, pundits have also begun to take notice of Djed Spence’s rise, with Gary Lineker recently suggesting that Spence could be knocking on the door of an England call-up. Now, the numbers are backing up what the eye test has already shown.
According to WhoScored, the Tottenham full-back ranks among the top five players in the Premier League for dribble success rate this season.
Having attempted more than 40 dribbles this campaign, Spence boasts an impressive 54.5% success rate, making him the highest-ranked defender on the list.
He finds himself in esteemed company, with only a handful of players achieving a better percentage: Ethan Nwaneri (62.5%), Cody Gakpo (60.5%), Carlos Baleba (58.5%), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (56.6%).
Djed Spence has a rare blend of attributes
Djed Spence’s success in one-on-one situations is yet another indicator of his versatility. He is comfortable playing on either flank, can invert into midfield when required, and remains defensively solid.
It is rare to find a full-back who ticks so many boxes and excels across the board. For Tottenham, this is an invaluable asset.
The modern game demands defenders who can contribute at both ends of the pitch, and Spence is proving he is more than capable. If he continues on this trajectory, Spurs may just have unearthed a gem.