Antonio Conte has been speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Tottenham returning to Premier League action, where he commented on Djed Spence.
Antonio Conte impressed by Tottenham youngster
Well, Spurs fans were presumably starting to grow concerned about the 22-year-old and his future at Tottenham.
Spence has only been given one minute of Premier League action so far this season since his £20m move from Middlesbrough, and Football London’s Alasdair Gold claimed that Conte was unconvinced by his start in N17.
Dean Jones added that the Italian also had nothing to do with the England Under-21 international’s arrival.
Now, however, the 53-year-old is starting to speak positively about Spence.
As quoted by Football London, Conte said: “Also Djed, he’s working and he’s improving and he’s starting to understand which is the demand to stay at Tottenham. I’m pleased to have more options.”
So far this season, Emerson Royal has been preferred at right-back despite a number of underwhelming performances, including a terrible display in the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal where he picked up a red card.
During his three-match ban, Matt Doherty has been preferred, so Spence is currently third choice under Conte.
Djed Spence can become a superstar at Tottenham
In truth, we have been left surprised by Conte’s reluctance to use Spence.
The Italian often relies heavily on attacking wing-backs in his preferred system, such as Achraf Hakimi during his Serie A title win at Inter Milan, and Spence is exactly that.
Last season, the Londoner shone while on loan at Nottingham Forest, helping Steve Cooper achieve promotion with three goals and five assists in 50 appearances.
Spence is a very gifted player from a technical aspect, and he has the ability to hurt teams with his end product in the final third.
Hopefully, he continues to impress Conte at Hotspur Way, and is given an opportunity soon.
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