Djed Spence has endured a difficult start to life on loan at Rennes since swapping Tottenham for the Ligue 1 outfit alongside Joe Rodon – and Stade Rennais Online have criticised the right-back in what his fourth outing on Sunday.
Spence, 22, has instantly started as the club’s first-choice, available right-back after joining the club on loan from Spurs on deadline day. He, and Matt Doherty left Spurs, as Pedro Porro joined to compete with the in-form Emerson Royal.
England U21 man Spence has got plenty of game time since his move, but has struggled. Rennes lost 3-1 in his first two games. Then, Spence was at fault for Shakhtar Donetsk’s opener in the Europa League on Thursday, a 2-1 loss.
French media criticised him then, describing his mistake as “catastrophic”. On Sunday, he kept his place and played the entire 90 minutes as Rennes beat Clermont 2-0. His first win. But, Spence was still criticised, earning a rating of 3/10.
“The negative point of this victory is the defensive frailty of Spence. He completely failed with his marking. Offensively more visible, his ball helping Rennes make it 2-0. Technical errors and positionally a shambles for the rest,” SRO report.
Spence criticised in fourth outing since swapping Tottenham for Rennes
Not good. While there was an understanding from Spurs fans that Spence was not an Antonio Conte signing, Spence was necessary. Spurs lack an English pool of talent and when it comes to European registration, they are on the border.
So, bringing in homegrown players is key. Spence is that – but he struggled in the first half of the season, playing just six times off the bench. Now at Rennes, he is really struggling to find his feet. It is early on, and plenty more to play.
But, Rodon is also struggling and it might be that a move to Rennes has actually hindered both Tottenham players’ chances of breaking in under Conte. Right now, it looks more likely they could be sold in the summer, by Spurs.
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