Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence is being worked ‘hard in training’ to try and meet Antonio Conte’s high demands, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Lowdown: Underwhelming start
The right-back made the £20m move to the Premier League from Middlesbrough over the summer after plenty of transfer speculation following his loan spell at Nottingham Forest.
However, the 22-year-old hasn’t made the start to life in the capital he would have been hoping for having recorded just one substitute appearance.
Conte previously admitted that this was a signing made by Fabio Paratici rather than himself, and that’s been pretty evident given the limited chances he’s received since his arrival.
The Latest: O'Rourke's belief in Spence
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that Spence will eventually get an opportunity to prove himself in the first team once he reaches the playing standard that the boss expects. He said:
“I don’t think his chance is too far away.
“I think Antonio Conte is working him hard in training and wants his new signings to be tactically aware of what he wants from them, so he’s maybe waiting for Spence to get up to speed and once that comes then hopefully he will get a role in the Spurs starting line-up.”
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The Verdict: Loan spell needed
Spence has been omitted from the matchday squad for four of the opening seven league games this season which shows just how far down the pecking order he is, so another loan might do him the world of good.
The England U21 star, dubbed the ‘real deal’ by former footballer Trevor Sinclair, provided five assists and netted three goals in all competitions for Forest last term (Transfermarkt), highlighting the potential he has.
Being given the chance to go out and earn game time would allow him to flourish again, and if it’s successful, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t be able to seriously fight for a first-team place upon his return.