Thomas Frank has opened up about his full-back options at Tottenham, with the manager stressing that he is fortunate to have strong depth with Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie.
Tottenham Hotspur have shown signs of progress this season, yet there are still areas that need refining if the team is to truly push on.
Several new arrivals have joined the club and are still building on-pitch chemistry with their teammates, which has had a knock-on effect on the fluidity of Tottenham’s attacking play.
One particular area that remains under the spotlight is the left-hand side, where Xavi Simons and Djed Spence are still working on building an understanding and forging a partnership that can bring balance to the Spurs’ attack.
Thomas Frank praises Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence at Tottenham
Thomas Frank is not relying solely on Djed Spence on the left flank, as the return to fitness of Destiny Udogie now provides him with another natural option.
Udogie, being left-footed, fits the role more naturally since he can deliver crosses with his stronger foot when overlapping Xavi Simons, giving Tottenham a more traditional balance on that side of the pitch.
Speaking to the club’s official channels, Frank has now underlined the strength in depth he has in that position and explained the qualities that both players offer.
He said: “I am privileged to have four full-backs. They are performing at a very high level. Destiny offers his left foot as a left back so that is obviously more natural for him.
“Him and Djed are a bit similar, having that physicality and ability to go at all times. Destiny’s left foot is important but Djed with his right is equally important.”
Spurs fans want Destiny Udogie to get more minutes
Both Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence are strong options for Thomas Frank, yet naturally, not everyone can start every game, which is exactly the type of dilemma that benefits a manager.
There is fierce competition across the pitch, something that should only serve to raise standards as individuals fight to secure their places in the starting eleven.
Tottenham fans have already begun calling for Udogie to be handed a start against Brighton this weekend, though Spence’s form is currently making it difficult for the Italian to force his way back into the side.
However, with Spurs involved in four competitions this season, the fixture load will naturally create more opportunities for both players.