Former Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock believes that Djed Spence is perfectly suited to playing as a right wing-back as a part of a back five.
Over the last 48 hours, it seems like Tottenham have made real progress in their negotiations with Boro over a deal for Spence.
Football Insider have revealed that Spurs and Boro are only £1m apart in their respective valuations of the right-back and that the two clubs are now ‘nearing a breakthrough’.
Journalist Rudi Galetti even asserted on Friday that it is ‘only a matter of time’ before Spence becomes a Tottenham player.
Warnock has revealed that he had his run-ins with the 21-year-old in the past but suggested that on the evidence of his performances over the last 12 months, the penny has dropped for the youngster.
He told talkSPORT: “I had one or two run-ins with Djed, as managers do. I had two chats with him. He had a bit of a go at me.
“I am glad to see that the penny dropped because, like I said to him face-to-face, it could go either way. He could end up playing at Bromley next year or be in the Premier League. And he is in the Premier League, so good luck to him.”
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If he completes his move to Spurs, Spence would be expected to compete with Matt Doherty for the right wing-back spot, with some reports indicating that Antonio Conte’s men could cash in on Emerson Royal (Football.London).
Warnock stated that while the England Under-21 international’s defensive positioning leaves a lot to be desired, he is one of the best going forward.
When asked if Spence can be a wing-back, Warnock responded: “I think he has to be going forward. He has to be that wing-back. He wouldn’t be able to play in a four, I don’t think, at that level.
“But going forward, he is exciting, he is a young lad, the penny has dropped and I don’t think you get much better than that going forward. Conte won’t stand for anything, so it might be just what he needs, a tough guy like that.
“I think so (his weakness being positional play when defending), but I don’t think he has had to do it really. I think in a five he is different. He would be a good squad player.”
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Conte has shown over the course of his career that he is excellent at improving wing-backs. If the Italian feels that Spence has the attributes to succeed in that role, Spurs fans should be excited about how the 21-year-old will develop over the next 12 months.
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