Rennes were knocked out of the Europa League on penalties on Thursday night by Shakhtar Donetsk despite a 2-1 win after 120 minutes – and French media have once again, taken aim at on-loan Tottenham defender Djed Spence.
Coming into the game after a 1-0 loss in the first leg, Rennes came within an inch of securing a place in the last 16 of the Europa League. Winning the game in 90 minutes, 1-0, Rennes made it 2-0 in extra-time. But, it unravelled.
With a minute left of extra-time, an own goal saw Rennes and Shakhtar go to penalties. Spence lasted the entire 120 minutes in what was his fifth outing since leaving Spurs on loan. He has really struggled at the Ligue 1 side so far.
French media described his performance as “catastrophic” in the first leg and then on the weekend, in a 2-0 win over Clermont, he was labelled a “shambles” defensively. The criticism has continued following Thursday night.
Stade Rennais Online gave Spence 4/10, reporting: “Very complicated start defensively, notably dropping Traoré on the disallowed goal. Offensively more interesting after half-time, but his defensive shortcomings were too great.”
French media take aim at on-loan Tottenham defender Spence again
It is just not going to plan so far for Spence. While he is playing games, he is struggling to adapt. Rennes have little choice but to keep using the Spurs man, though, with their two other right-back options currently on the sidelines.
Perhaps, it is just a period of adapting for Spence. But being used in a four-man defence clearly does not suit the England U21 man. He is better in Tottenham’s style, as a wing-back, being given that license to get forward.
That is what French media are reporting – impressive on the ball and going forward, but weak defensively. Perhaps, with game time at top-tier level in France, that is something he will improve between now and the end of the season.
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