Tottenham Hotspur’s boss Ange Postecoglou has revealed what the club’s stance on Djed Spence was at the start of the season and how things have changed.
At the moment, Djed Spence is currently one of the best players at Tottenham Hotspur. Since Udogie’s injury, the once-out-of-favour full-back has gradually worked his way back into Ange Postecoglou’s first eleven.
In Spurs’ last Premier League match against Manchester United, the full-back put in a man-of-the-match performance that has since been recognised by pundits and fans alike. Spence earned a spot in multiple pundits team of the week.
Although his stock is high at the moment, Spence was close to leaving north London for just £8.5m, but the deal did not materialise.
Tottenham boss gives his honest Djed Spence verdict
Ahead of the clash against Ipswich Town on Saturday, Ange Postecoglou in his pre-match press conference, has now revealed what the Lilywhites’ plan was for Djed Spence last summer.
He told football.london: “We wanted to give Djed every opportunity [in the summer]. We knew there was a player there but it was up to Djed to take it.
“He worked so hard, remained patient. In previous years he might have given up the fight but he kept on going and working hard and that really made an impression on me and his team-mates.”
The full-back has since put his head down and gone to work. So far this season, he has played 18 matches, scored a goal and assisted two.
Who should start at full-back for Spurs against Ipswich Town?
Indeed, Ange Postecoglou is set to have a selection headache in the full-back positions this weekend, as Gray, Udogie, Spence and Porro are all fit and available for selection.
While Spence and Porro have been solid in recent weeks, the manager will be looking to give a returning Udogie some game time so he can get his match fitness up.
Should Udogie return, there is a possibility that Djed Spence will be rested with eyes on the clash against Manchester City.
It is an interesting dilemma for the manager and it will be nice to see how he manages the minutes of both Spence and Udogie.